Oh Corn! Arepas and More – BizInt

Oh Corn Arepas and More – BizInt – by Liam Sweeny.

Oh Corn! Arepas and More is located at 429 River Street, Troy, NY 12180.

RRX: Who are you? What is the name of your business, and what do you make/do?

OC: My name is Jose Theoktisto and me and my wife Belkis Castro are the owners of Oh Corn! Arepas in Troy NY. We are a Venezuelan restaurant,  catering provider and private parties venue.

RRX: If you could only offer one thing, one good, one specific service, that would really show what you’re all about, what is it, and why?

OC: We would offer filled arepas by platters, available for pickup or catering. Arepas are incredibly versatile, as they can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients including meats, fish, poultry, cheeses, and vegetables. Their unique consistency allows them to hold even moist fillings without becoming soggy. Arepas also travel well and can be refrigerated for 1-2 days before an event, allowing for easy reheating without losing freshness or flavor. And as a bonus for some customers with dietary restrictions, arepas are naturally gluten free, dairy free, egg free and sugar free.

RRX: What sparked your interest in starting the business you started? Was it something you were already good at? Or did you just jump in the pool nose first?

OC: When we moved to the region in 2008, we were newcomers to the restaurant scene, but we had a passion for great food. At that time, the closest Venezuelan restaurant was in Montreal, so we often found ourselves missing the flavors of home. To share our love for Venezuelan cuisine, we began inviting friends and neighbors over to our home to experience arepas, a staple of our culture. Their enthusiastic responses encouraged us to open our first restaurant in Halfmoon in 2016, located in a small plaza.

In 2022, we took a significant step forward by acquiring the old River Street Cafe building in Troy. We completely refurbished the space, installing a new kitchen and adding a patio, transforming it into our dream restaurant. We’re proud to bring the vibrant flavors of Venezuela to the region and provide a welcoming space for our community to enjoy delicious food and create lasting memories.

RRX: What do you see as your angle? What makes you better than other people out there running a similar business?

OC: Our unique angle is rooted in several key aspects that set us apart from other establishments. Firstly, as the only Venezuelan restaurant in the area, we offer a culinary experience that is truly distinctive and authentic, attracting those seeking something new and exciting.

Beyond our cuisine, our restaurant provides a versatile dining experience. Whether customers are looking for a quick bite or a more formal lunch or dinner, our menu and ambiance cater to a wide range of preferences. Additionally, our ability to accommodate small groups and host private events sets us apart as a venue that can cater to various needs. Our second story, with its beautiful view of the Hudson River, offers an elegant setting for special occasions such as bridal showers, graduations, and corporate reunions, enhancing the overall dining experience for our guests.

RRX: How has the economy affected your business? Setbacks? Any opportunities right now?

OC: The economy has certainly had its impact on our business, as it does with many restaurants. We’ve experienced setbacks, but as a family-owned business, we’ve always maintained hope for a brighter future.

Looking ahead, we see opportunities emerging, especially with the coming of spring and summer. The revitalization of Troy Downtown is particularly encouraging, as it brings new energy and foot traffic to the area. We’re optimistic about the future and believe that with our commitment to quality and service, we can navigate any challenges that come our way.

RRX: What is on the horizon for you? Any new products? Any new offerings? Let us be your sounding board!.

OC: We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our offerings and provide unique experiences for our customers. One exciting initiative we have is our guest chef program, where we invite chefs from other Hispanic restaurants in the region or even directly from Venezuela to showcase their specialties. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Chef Raul Blanco from Denver over St. Patrick’s weekend.

As we head into the warmer months, we’re eager to introduce some new experiences. We’re planning to offer open grill and drinks on our patio, which overlooks the Hudson River, every Saturday. Additionally, we’re excited to announce that we’re looking to organize a live Latin music night, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of our restaurant.

We’re always open to new ideas and suggestions, so if you’re a musician or singer interested in being a part of our Latin music night, we’d love to hear from you!

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