Spanish Island Foods is bringing vibrant flavors to North Queen Street

With a focus on vibrant Spanish and Caribbean flavors, Aaron and Giandrew Handy started Spanish Island Foods in 2020, serving empanadas, pinchos, fries, and sandwiches from their food truck in York. 

Although the pair were passionate about sharing their cuisine, starting a business in 2020 made growth hard, but they were resilient, as they are no strangers to facing challenges head-on. 

“I had gotten into trouble in my past,” Aaron shared. “But I came home, and I changed my life around. When we would go to try and get hired before we got the food truck, I would get turned down.” 

Aaron and Giandrew decided that instead of continuing to apply for jobs, they would start a company that would have the potential to hire people who shared Aaron’s experience, hoping to be a place that would give people a second chance. 

During their first year in business, Aaron and Giandrew hustled to expand the menu and foster partnerships with local businesses. When presented with the opportunity to open their first physical location at Lancaster General Hospital in partnership with restaurant incubator Foodworks, Spanish Island Foods gained momentum, and the couple’s tireless work paid off. 

Now, Spanish Island Foods’ third location is up and running at 44 North Queen Street as of summer 2024. 

“Food and unity are our dreams, within our community and within our city,” Giandrew said. “We are here to bring together our cultures. We want to represent and bring everybody home.” 

Visit Spanish Island Foods’ Queen Street location to try their signature Island Bowl, a fried tortilla bowl filled with rice, beans, chopped vegetables, and a choice of meat, and peruse their full menu at sifoodsinc.com. 

This feature is partially sponsored by Business Information Group (BIG) who believes in supporting the growth of small businesses in Lancaster City. 

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