03 Apr Arepas On The Go Brings Venezuelan Flavor to The Twin Cities Metro

For Leonardo Castellano, food has always been more than just a meal—it’s a connection to his roots, his family, and his lifelong passion. Living his formative years in Orlando, Florida, Leo carries with him the flavors and traditions of his family’s Venezuelan cooking. 

In 2017, he began turning that passion into a business from his apartment in Orlando, with support from his mom who helped him build it from the ground up. The food spoke for itself; the flavors were undeniable, and word spread fast. In 2019, Leonardo relocated to Minnesota and launched into the local food scene through a ghost kitchen, growing steadily while keeping his focus on quality and authenticity. 

From there, he brought his food directly to the community through farmers’ markets and cultural festivals, building a loyal following along the way. That visibility led to new opportunities, including catering partnerships with local sports teams, a relationship that grew into regularly delivering Venezuelan cuisine to larger audiences. 

Years of hard work, patience, and persistence brought Leonardo to where he is today. Now, with support from the Neighborhood Development Center’s (NDC) Lending Team, Arepas On The Go has opened its first sit-down restaurant in Brooklyn Park, where customers can enjoy everything from arepas and empanadas to loaded hot dogs. 

Looking ahead, Leonardo hopes to expand Arepas On The Go with locations across Minnesota. We look forward to watching that vision come to life. Head over to Arepas On The Go now! https://arepasonthego.com/