By Alex Popa
For many, food is more than just nourishment—it is a powerful connection to culture, tradition, and community. For Victoria Montanez-Roberts, food is also a passion, a business, and a means of giving back. As the founder of Vicky’s Island Hop, she has turned her love for Caribbean cuisine into a thriving restaurant that brings together the bold and vibrant flavors of her Puerto Rican and Haitian heritage.
Her story is not just about business success but about representation, perseverance, and making a difference. As a minority, woman, and LGBTQ entrepreneur, Victoria understands the importance of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Educational Background
Victoria’s educational journey has been as diverse as her career path, reflecting her curiosity, drive, and willingness to reinvent herself. She first earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a field far removed from the culinary industry.
However, her passion for creativity and working with people led her to explore different professional paths. She pursued a cosmetology license, allowing her to express her artistic side through hairstyling. Later, she decided to enter education and earned a Special Education Teacher Certification after completing the Alternative Certification Program.
Her love for cooking, which had always been a part of her life, eventually became the foundation for her business. To prepare for the food industry, she completed a Certified Food Manager course, equipping herself with the necessary credentials to safely and effectively run a restaurant.
How Vicky’s Island Hop Was Born
The concept for Vicky’s Island Hop was born out of a lifelong dream. While working as a special education teacher, Victoria also ran a successful catering business, preparing meals for events and private clients. The demand for her food grew, and she realized that her passion for cooking could be more than just a side business.
One of her biggest challenges in starting the restaurant was raising capital. Determined to do it on her own, she used her personal savings and received support from family and friends who believed in her vision. This self-reliant approach made the opening of Vicky’s Island Hop an even greater achievement.
Beyond just serving food, Victoria has made community involvement a key part of her business. She actively gives back, feeding the homeless every day after closing, donating to The Three Little Flowers School in Haiti, and volunteering to cook for Haitian and South American migrants arriving at the Texas border.
Expectations for 2025 and Beyond
Victoria has big plans for Vicky’s Island Hop in 2025 and beyond. Her primary goal is to continue growing her business and increasing sales, ensuring that the restaurant reaches more customers while maintaining high-quality service and authentic flavors.
Beyond expanding the restaurant itself, she has a vision for bringing her unique cooking bases and spice blends to retail shelves, making her signature flavors accessible to home cooks and food lovers everywhere.
Another major goal is to open multiple locations, allowing more communities to experience the delicious fusion of Caribbean cuisine that has made Vicky’s Island Hop a success.
Victoria is also deeply committed to expanding her philanthropic efforts. She hopes to officially establish Island Hop Cares as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing her to provide greater support to underserved communities through food assistance programs and community initiatives.
What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur
Victoria believes that entrepreneurship is about more than just having a great idea—it requires determination, adaptability, and continuous learning.
One of the most important lessons she has learned is the value of asking for help. In 2024, she realized that delegation is essential for growth and that trying to do everything alone can limit success.
Another key to success is maintaining balance. She initially opened the restaurant six days a week but quickly realized that it took too much time away from her family. By reducing her operating days to four days a week, she found a better work-life balance that allows her to enjoy time with loved ones while still growing her business.
Who is Victoria Montanez-Roberts, the woman?
Beyond her work as a chef and entrepreneur, Victoria is a creative, nurturing, and adventurous spirit who finds joy in making people smile. She has a deep passion for art, children, and cooking, all of which have shaped her personal and professional journey.
Her son is one of her biggest inspirations. Everything she does is driven by a desire to build a strong foundation for her family while creating opportunities for future generations. She is passionate about generational wealth and wants to set an example for other Haitian and Caribbean entrepreneurs, showing them that it is possible to succeed through hard work, faith, and persistence.
When she is not in the kitchen, Victoria enjoys painting, listening to music, and traveling to tropical destinations. She has a deep love for the warmth and beauty of island life, which is reflected in the vibrant flavors of her cooking.
As she looks ahead to the future, her vision remains clear: to grow, to inspire, and to continue making a difference, one plate at a time.
