Ten years already? That was my first thought when I saw Chaz Ortiz celebrating a decade of Chazito’s Latin Cuisine in Pooler.

From a tent on River Street and the area’s first food truck, multiple restaurants and national television appearances, Chaz has been bringing Puerto Rican flavor to the Savannah area for well over a decade.

We caught up with him to talk about the early days, the changing Latino community in Pooler and Greater Savannah, lessons learned along the way and the big celebration planned for Saturday, October 17.

1. You were one of the very first food trucks in Savannah, correct? How did this whole journey begin?

Chaz: I was actually the very first one! That was almost 14 years ago. But even before the truck, I started at the Latino Festival on River Street at Rousakis Plaza. I started in a tent 16 years ago.

2. After several years with the food truck, you opened your brick-and-mortar in Pooler. Were you nervous about making that leap?

Chaz: Definitely. My hand was a little forced when they passed the food truck laws requiring a brick-and-mortar location. I had left my job at Gulfstream after almost 11 years. The food truck and tent events had been my side hustle. When the regulations changed, I happened to see a place available in Pooler. I pulled over, got the information and realized I could probably make it work.

Originally, I only got the spot to prep for the trucks. A couple of months later, people started knocking on the door trying to come in. They saw the food truck outside and thought we were a restaurant. I’d tell them, “No, it’s not a restaurant. I just need this place to run my trucks.”

That’s how it started.

3. What’s been the best part of spending these ten years in the Pooler community?

Chaz: Seeing how many more Latinos have come into the area. With the ports getting bigger, the Hyundai plant and all the warehouses and factories, we’ve seen the Latino community really grow. When I first started, it was just us around here. I really had to spread the word. Our motto was “Taste My Culture” because a lot of people didn’t know about our food.

Now you can drive around Pooler and hear somebody playing salsa or merengue. You’re not the only one anymore.

It’s awesome to see.

4. You’ve grown to three food trucks and two brick-and-mortar restaurants. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a business owner?

Chaz: I’ve learned a lot. Putting yourself out there is scary. It’s a risk, but you’ve got to have the “cojones” to do it and see how the public takes it.

I’ve been through a long journey, including opening 787 downtown on Bull Street, where Ukiyo is now. We built that up, but the timing was bad and the pandemic came. You have to pick up your toys, keep going and trust that the public is going to buy into what you’re trying to provide. And they have. Because of them, I’m still here ten years later.

5. After all these years, what are the most popular items on the Chazito’s menu?

Chaz: Definitely the Boricua Burrito and the Sloppy José. Those have been staples in Pooler.

The burrito was featured on your show, Netflix and Tastemade. The Sloppy José was featured with Guy Fieri on Food Network. Those two are definitely local fan favorites. We still get people who see us on Netflix or Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and add us to their list when they’re traveling on I-95. Being right off the interstate makes it convenient for them to stop in.

6. How has your customer base changed over the last ten years? Has that allowed you to expand the menu?

Chaz: Definitely. I don’t have to come up with dishes in a familiar vessel just to get people to try them anymore. Now more Latinos come in, and I’ve been able to expand the menu over the years. I can put more authentic dishes on there instead of trying to find creative ways to introduce people to my food.

7. With three trucks and two restaurants, what do you and your family enjoy doing when you finally get some downtime?

Chaz: We enjoy going to our farm in Puerto Rico. I’ve been a farm owner for about four years now. We bought a farm, and we love going over there to check on it, plant more, cultivate and get out there with the kids. Put our hands in the dirt. We try to go at least every three months. Jacksonville has a direct flight, so that makes it easier. It’s been a blessing.

8. You’re Puerto Rican, married to a Colombian woman and spend a lot of time on the island. Here’s the important question: How much of Bad Bunny’s lyrics do you actually understand? Because I speak fluent Spanish and I operate at about 40% with him.

Chaz: You’ve got to stay on top of the slang! Being married to a Colombian woman, owning the farm and having the restaurants, my Spanish has to stay sharp. Growing up, we also had church and our abuelas. We had to learn how to read the Bible in Spanish, and Grandma wasn’t playing around with that. That definitely helps with the music, but Bad Bunny uses a lot of slang. You’ve got to keep up with the new stuff.

9. Some people might not know you spent your childhood in the Philadelphia area. Is that where your allegiance to the Eagles comes from?

Chaz: Yeah, I spent my childhood there, including middle school and high school in the Philly area. Go Birds! Go Phillies! Go Sixers!

10. You’re celebrating ten years on Saturday, October 17. What can everyone expect?

Chaz: Music all day, good vibes, live music, DJs, some awesome local talent, bounce houses for the kids and free giveaways. I’m also bringing back some OG menu items. Things we took off the menu from when we first started the restaurant. We’re bringing them back for a little nostalgia. And lechón all day! Two whole pigs, one for lunch and one for dinner. Me and Grandpa set up a temporary rotisserie pit outside in the parking lot. The first pig goes on at three in the morning and comes out for lunch. The second goes on at nine in the morning for dinner. If you’ve never had Puerto Rican lechón, come get some of that crispy skin!

The whole family will be here. My kids, my wife, Mom, Dad, everybody. We’ll have live music and DJs all day long.

Come get a free dance and a good meal!

Chazito’s 10th Anniversary Celebration

217 US Highway 80, Pooler 31322

Saturday, October 17th 11a-11pm

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