His parents came to Edmonton as refugees fleeing war in El Salvador 34 years ago, today they have built a successful grocery business serving the Latin and Caribbean communities.
Jesus and Alba started Paraiso Tropical Ltd. in 1991 after moving to Edmonton in 1986, fleeing from the civil war in El Salvador. They could not find food from their country of origin, so they started Paraiso Tropical, now a fixture in the community.
To sell or not to sell was the question in 2009, when they wanted to retire, and were not sure whether to sell or keep the business. Their son, Jesus Gonzalez Rivas who had finished his criminology degree the previous year and already working with the Alberta Government jumped in to conserve a family treasure.
Today, Paraiso Tropical has two locations in Edmonton; 9136 118 avenue, and 6926 104 street, and going strong.
“…I want to take the business in a new direction…,” Jesus told Diversity Magazine, exhibiting some of his re-brand in a business that he has helped build since he was a child.
