While wearing a mask, long-sleeved clothing, and protective gear, Eilene Beniquez is offering a helping hand to the business of her parents. Beniquez is one of the many Latino millennials who are helping to keep their family's business survive the COVID-19 crisis. She is physically needed in the restaurant instead of her parents, says an article.


COVID-19 High-Risk Parents

Baniquez's parents are both in their 70s. They are at higher risk from the COVID-19. This is the reason why Baniquez had taken over the business for the time being.

Baniquez is the daughter of the business owners Eric and Amanda Beniquez. Their business, Tropical Star, is a market and restaurant in San Diego.


Helping those Who are in the Frontlines

Baniquez did not only take the responsibility to operate their family business due to the health risk posed by COVID-19 but also due to the face that a lot of healthcare frontline workers are their regular customers.

The business has a history of providing help to essential frontline workers. Eric Beniquez, his father, used to work at a New York Hospital before establishing his own business.


Continuing the Legacy

After a few decades, Beniquez's family continues their legacy by ensuring that customers and their staff are provided help to help them survive the crisis.

Tropical Star is frequently visited by the medical staff of Sharp & Children's hospital in their area.


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Shortage of Supplies

According to Beniquez, the majority of their customers are doctors and nurses. She believes that she can significantly help their community by providing food. Also, she noticed that a lot of people visiting Puerto Rican and Colombian businesses are diversifying. She was familiar with the common people who visit with those businesses, and she noticed that a lot of them, even the new faces, are majorly buying corn, canned beans, and rice.

The business has not observed aggressive hoarding among customers. However, there have been instances of shortages due to the effects of the COVID-19 towards suppliers and manufacturers.

The business ran out of rice for 20 days, and when the supplier delivered their order, only one of the bags was given, Beniquez shared.


Saviors during the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Millennials are stepping forward to offer help for the world's survival from COVID-19.

Baniquez said that she and her chef are immunocompromised. However, she is a bit stronger than her chef and parents, which is why she accepted the task of handling the family business in the meantime while COVID-19 continues to spread in the country.

For those who live in San Diego, the family business of Beniquez is open from Monday to Saturday from 11 to 9. The place offers good take-out food and drinks from different Latino cuisines. Visit their Instagram page to get updates on what they offer.