MERIDEN — Every time Lillian Matias takes a trip to Puerto Rico, she makes sure to buy one of her favorite desserts — a frappe. Now, Matias can share the enjoyment of her favorite beverage with customers after opening her own shop, Paradise Frappe.
Matias, 53, is excited to bring a taste of Puerto Rico to her community. She was born in Aguada, Puerto Rico and came to Meriden in her 20s.
Nutella, chocolate, strawberry cheesecake, mango, cheesecake, and vanilla are some of the flavors that customers will see on the menu. The frappe’s will be milk based, not coffee based and will be made with whole milk. Customers will have the option to substitute for almond milk.
“It’s gonna have chocolate, milk, and all the good stuff that goes into the dessert,” Matias said. Customers will be able to customize their beverages.
In addition to frappes, Paradise Frappe will offer natural fruit juices and milkshakes. In the future, Matias wants to add acai bowls to the menu.
In February, Matias signed the lease and immediately started renovating the space in March. The walls are painted pink and in the corner, Matias put a neon “Welcome to Paradise” sign.
“I want this to be a place where people can come in and take photos as well,” she said.
Her daughter, Letisha Matias, is proud of her mother for opening her own business. She lives in Florida and will be coming up in June with her dog to see the accomplishments her mother achieved.
“She’s been dreaming of this for a while and I’m so happy for her,” Letisha Matias said. “She’s finally doing something she’s been thinking about for a long time.”
“When I go to Puerto Rico with my brother and mom, I make sure to get three things: Mofongo, queso frito, and a frappe,” she added.
Lillian Matias had her own Paradise Frappe truck in Florida when she lived in Florida for around six months, but closed because she wanted to be close to her family in Meriden.
Paradise Frappe, located at 612 East Main St. is currently open from Thursday to Sunday. The business is open Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 3 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. The store is take out only and customers can call ahead at (203) 572-6482.
Eventually, Matias plans on adding more days and hours in the summer.
Grand opening
Paradise Frappe had its grand opening on May 13.
Madeline Garcia, Meriden resident, planned to attend the grand opening after hearing about it on Facebook.
“I’m going to go and get their chocolate frappe,” Garcia said.
Garcia says that she is happy to have this new business in the community.
celescano@record-journal.com