Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Rocabado.
Hi Claudia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started back home in Cuba, in the kitchen with my grandmother. She was the kind of woman who could turn simple ingredients into a meal that brought the whole family together. I would watch her, help her, and learn from her without even realizing it at the time. Later, I spent a lot of time cooking with my mom and dad too. Those moments taught me that food isn’t just about eating — it’s about love, culture, and connection. From the time I was little, I knew in my heart that one day I wanted to open a restaurant and share that same feeling with others.
At The Roost Rotisserie Chicken & Latin Cuisine, I’ve been able to bring that dream to life. Our menu is inspired by my family’s recipes — the dishes I grew up with and the flavors that remind me of home. To me, it’s more than just food; it’s storytelling, it’s heritage, it’s comfort on a plate.
Starting a business while raising twins wasn’t easy. There were moments when I doubted myself, wondering if I could really balance being a new mom and a business owner. But I reminded myself that as women we are strong, capable, and unstoppable when we put our minds to something.
’m not doing this alone — my husband is right by my side every step of the way. He’s my biggest supporter and cheerleader, and together we’ve poured our hearts into building The Roost. It’s truly a family effort, and I think people can feel that when they walk through our doors.
What began as a dream in my grandmother’s kitchen has grown into a place where we can share our culture, our food, and our love with the community. That’s what makes this journey so special.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes the journey meaningful. Opening a restaurant is challenging in itself, but doing it while raising twins added a whole other layer. There were sleepless nights, moments of doubt, and times when I questioned if I could really do it all.
Another challenge has been navigating the ups and downs of running a small business — things like managing costs, training staff, and learning how to wear a hundred different hats at once. It can feel overwhelming.
But every struggle has also taught me something. I’ve learned how to lean on my team, how to trust myself, and how to stay creative even under pressure. And of course, I’ve had my husband by my side through it all — his support has been such a huge part of keeping me going.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth, but I believe the bumps have shaped who I am as a business owner today. They’ve made me stronger, more determined, and more grateful for every win along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At The Roost Rotisserie Chicken & Latin Cuisine, we focus on serving food that feels like home — comforting, flavorful, and rooted in tradition. Our specialty is rotisserie chicken, seasoned with a marinade that I spent about a year perfecting until it was just right. It’s slow-roasted to lock in the flavor, juicy on the inside, and crisp on the outside. Alongside that, we offer a variety of Latin-inspired dishes — from rice bowls and sandwiches to pastries and coffee — many of which come directly from my family’s recipes and the flavors I grew up with.
What sets us apart is the heart behind what we do. The chicken represents my dedication to perfecting a recipe that people will love and keep coming back for, while the rest of the menu reflects the heritage I carry from my family. People often tell us that when they eat at The Roost, they feel like they’ve been invited into someone’s home, and that’s exactly the experience we want to create.
I’m most proud that we’ve built a brand that reflects authenticity and connection. It’s not just about the food — it’s about the atmosphere, the care, and the community we’re building around the table. From the way we welcome guests to the way we craft every dish, our goal is to make people feel seen, cared for, and part of our story.
What I’d love readers to know is that The Roost is more than just a restaurant — it’s a place where family traditions meet modern flavors, where you can grab a comforting meal, enjoy great coffee and pastries, or even order catering for your next gathering. Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or to celebrate something special, we want you to leave not only full but also connected to something bigger — to culture, to family, and to community.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that often surprises people is that even though I’ve always loved cooking and knew I wanted to open a restaurant, I didn’t grow up formally trained as a chef. Everything I know has come from years of learning in my family’s kitchen, experimenting on my own, and perfecting recipes through trial and error — like my rotisserie chicken marinade, which took me a long time to get just right.
Another thing people might not know is how much I rely on my husband and our small team. Behind every dish and every service, there’s a lot of planning, late nights, and teamwork that goes into making The Roost feel effortless for our guests. I think people see the food and the experience, but they don’t always realize how much love, experimentation, and family support goes into it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theroostfl.com/
- Instagram: @clau_barce / @theroost_fl
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-roost-rotisserie-chicken-and-latin-cuisine-st-augustine
