Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Githens.
Hi Mary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Originally from Lima, Peru. Arrived to the states at the age of 17 out of curiosity. While completing my B.A. in Economics at Armstrong, which now is GSU, I realized I was hungry for my food and the lack of variety and culinary education in the area. Besides one Cuban restaurant, mostly everyone would think that all Latin American food will sum up in Mexican food. I personally, had never eaten a tortilla before I moved to the United States. Luckily, in one of the last classes before graduating from College, I met my business partner Martin, Martin had lived in Miami and also saw the necessity to bring more culinary culture to Savannah. We worked in a project together, and between conversations, we realized we shared the business idea. Martin’s wife was an International Chef. So, we put all of ur intentions and hard work together, and Latin Chicks was born on Sept 1st, 2009 (yes, during an economic crisis); the critical economic situations somewhat helped us negotiate our lease, not many people were looking to start a business during those difficult times. Latin Chicks served Fast, Healthy, and Delicious Latin American cuisine; our menu is like a tour of Latin America, our specialties are the Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken and our Home-made Churros.
Mint To Be Mojito Bar and Bites came as an extension of Latin Chicks to serve amazing beverages, Mojitos, Latin American cocktails, and empanadas; it also started during tough economic times in Feb 2020.
Our location in the sophisticated Eastern Wharf will be a combination of both sister locations and is looking to start serving happiness in late 2023 or early 2024.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely, the first years were the toughest for us (0-5). Besides, coming up with a new concept, many residents in Savannah did not know what a fried plantain was or yuca. So, it was also an educational process but definitely very satisfactory after receiving the positive feedback.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Both Latin Chicks and Mint To Be Mojito Bar & Bites are niche businesses. The both share the same philosophy of creating meals and beverages that have more love into it and only using real ingredients. Our rotisserie chicken is served fast, but it’s marinated at least 24 hours before serving, and its cooking time once in the oven is 2 hours. Our mojitos at Mint To Be Mojitos are all hand muddled and made fresh, it even has sugar cane topped, and we muddle them with all fresh ingredients. Our empanadas are handmade one at a time.
Our products, our staff, and our customers make us proud. We know that we serve quality and elaborated products, our staff gets recognition for taking the time in following procedures with a smile to create a great product, and our customers are very appreciative of what we create for them.
Oh, by the way, also… our Mint To Be Mojito has a surprise … and little secret for all, our Speakeasy La Aparicion. Ask for the code to use your private bathroom at the mojito bar side 🙂
What are your plans for the future?
Our new location at Eastern Wharf will house both Latin Chicks and Mint To Be Mojito Bar & Bites. It’s exciting to provide our products at this new side of the city in downtown Savannah, with a river view.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Latinchicksrestaurant minttobemojitobar La.Aparicion.Speakeasy latinchicksrestaurant
- Facebook: Latin Chicks Restaurant
