Edmonton’s Paraiso Tropical celebrates 34 Years as a Latin food staple

Posted April 24, 2025 9:07 pm.
Paraiso Tropical, an Edmonton-based Latin food market, is celebrating 34 years in business, marking more than three decades of community connection and cultural flavor.
“It’s definitely not been easy, but what motivates me moving forward is that people have embraced us,” said Jesus Gonzalez, owner of Paraiso Tropical.
Since opening its doors in 1991, the Latin grocer has become a staple in the city, especially for Edmonton’s growing Hispanic community. Gonzalez credits community support for helping the business weather challenging times — including the pandemic — which, rather than slowing sales, saw an influx of new customers seeking specialty foods.
“The Hispanic community embraced us, and as our community grew, our business grew,” Gonzalez said.
Amid ongoing tariff disputes, Paraiso Tropical reports that very few of its Latin American products come from the United States, helping the store maintain stock and price stability.
Erick Estrada, executive director of the Alberta Avenue Business Association, praised the business’s longevity and impact.
“It’s very inspiring,” Estrada said. “It really speaks to the power of small, family-owned businesses and the economic engine they represent.”
The Alberta Avenue Business Association notes that the store has been a mainstay in the community since 1991, and its continued success led to the opening of a second location on Edmonton’s south side.