Hispanic Heritage: A Pooler restaurant putting a new flare on Latin American cuisines
Chazitos has been around since 2016
Chazitos has been around since 2016
Chazitos has been around since 2016
It's a daily trip to Latin American countries with Chaz Ortiz at his restaurant Chazitos in Pooler.
"I think I've been significant in the fact that I've been able to introduce culture to this area," Ortiz said.
Ortiz is known for his twist on popular Latin meals, which has led him to many places, including the Food Network.
"It's providing an opportunity for somebody to be like, look man, that dude, I know that if he can do it, I can do it," Ortiz said.
It was not easy for him to be where he is today; he spent years working as a vendor at events around Savannah.
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His love for cooking began at an early age when he spent time with his grandparents.
"I found my own identity in the kitchen, but, yeah, I got to pay, you know, all the homage to my grandparents," Ortiz said.
Now, his goal is to provide a space where many feel they are with their Hispanic family.
"A lot of people come and eat my dishes. They say they feel like they're with a grandma. They hear the music and taste the food. I'm able to give them a remembrance," Ortiz said.
Chazitos will celebrate its seven-year anniversary with a pig roast on Oct. 14.