At 21, Barbaran received devastating news: a leg injury sustained during a soccer match in Peru dashed his dreams of playing the sport again. Unwilling to let this setback define him, he set out to explore new opportunities.
Fueled by a small loan from his uncle, Barbaran embarked on a journey to the United States. Starting from the ground up as a dishwasher at a Cuban restaurant, he dedicated himself to mastering English at the Community College of Baltimore County, though the road was often challenging.
Amidst the hurdles, Barbaran birthed Juan of a Kind Foods, initially driven by his love for guacamole but soon finding unexpected triumph with his Peruvian aji amarillo pepper hot sauce. Today, his sauce graces countless dinner tables across the city, becoming a local favorite.
Despite earning a business administration degree from the University of Baltimore, Barbaran understands that his entrepreneurial expedition is ongoing. Progressing steadily, he acknowledges the vast scope of accomplishments yet to be realized. Reflecting on his journey, he remarks, “No one extended opportunities to me because of my soccer past. Yet, each step has been a fragment of the American dream I’ve relentlessly pursued.”
In 2014, Juan of a Kind Foods debuted at Farmers Markets, presenting hot sauce and guacamole breakfasts that ultimately secured victory on a local Latino Shark Tank. Through relentless refinement, Barbaran rebranded Juan of a Kind as part of Peru2u foods in 2020, as global attention turned to Peruvian cuisine.
Infusing his cultural fervor into his culinary passions, Barbaran introduces a new dimension—Serrano peppers from Mexico, inspired by his wife’s grandmother, Aurora. His goal? To tantalize palates with flavors transcending borders, inviting all to savor the essence of his diverse culture!