Rising Stars: Meet Tony Del Pino

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Del Pino.

Hi Tony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
That is such a great question. In regards to The Coquito Shop, it started as a side hustle during the Holidays to make some extra cash to buy gifts for friends and family. If you are Puerto Rican, you know that every family has a designated person that makes Coquito (Puerto Rican-style eggnog as some people would label it). The thing was, my family never had that person. I figured with my experience as a bartender, I can make a version that will satisfy my family and others. It started with close friends, family and co-workers. I ultimately was inspired by my grandmother while making the recipe. Memories of music, family gatherings,  story telling and food were all inspirations for my Coquito.

Then in 2020, we had the Covid crisis. I’m a bartender so our restaurant shut down and I was stuck trying to figure out what to do next. One day I had the idea of taking this Holiday beverage that represents community, nostalgia, family and celebration and sharing it with the world all year round. Why not? To my surprise, it was such a fast start to the business. I couldn’t believe how many people reached out. It was a perfect storm of events. That provided me the drive and motivation to see this thru and continue to make this beverage that is a huge part of my culture and a representation of me. I want everyone to know what Coquito is. Once you have, you will understand why it’s so beloved in my community.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The 1st year went so well that I thought I was going to be flying high forever. Over time I saw that this would not be the case. The following year, 2021 was not as successful. I was down. I felt less then. I felt like a failure. People were ordering less and I was not retaining previous customers. The question i asked was how can I keep customers coming back for more. This is where I realized that content is everything! No matter how big or small. Continue to take cool pics and videos. Bring people into the world. Show behind the scenes of the production. These were some of the lessons I’ve learned that have gotten me back on track.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently a Bartender at Dirty French in the Lower East Side of NYC. I was a Social worker for 6 years but transitioned into food and hospitality. Having the experience in social work as translated into my current career. Being able to meet people where they are and communicate in a clear manner where their needs are being addressed is a huge skill in the hospitality industry. I’ve done everything from dive bars to sports bars to high volume cocktails bars. There is nothing I haven’t seen which I feel gives me an edge over others in the industry.

Coming from NYC I’m surrounded by a multitude of cultures from all over the globe. That exposure has allowed me to tap into various flavor profiles that I can incorporate into my cocktails.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Go to the industry events, whatever that industry may be for you. Connect vertically and horizontally. Vertically meaning those who are in a position that you want to get to. Horizontally in the sense that it’s important to find people with the same goals and mindset that you have who are on a simialr path as you are. You will push each other to improve and having someone to throw ideas with back and forth is always a plus.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions. People are more generous with assisting than we think.

Pricing:

• $30 a bottle
• $15 shipping (covers up to 4 bottles)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/thecoquitoshop?fbclid=PAAaafhTrVKOOtVTy22-YsLqQ2-JckwoBDPCqTf_PP2hb4ebabH8529vt1CVE
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecoquitoshop?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecoquitoshop