Macon Magazine

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 | maconmagazine.com 63 Pushing past the pandemic: Daisy blossoms Things were continuing to flourish, then the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S., and like businesses across the world, La Bella Morelia was facing hardships. According to U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy 2022 Small Business Profile, between March 2020 and March 2021, 29, 153 Georgia establishments closed. Angelica says their customers would not let them be part of that statistic. "They really helped us during that time," she said. "We were only doing takeout orders then and didn't know if we would make it, but our customers proved otherwise. They spread the word and told their friends and families to order meals, and they did." Once things got somewhat back to normal and they reopened the dining room, German was already thinking about the next project for his family. As a bartender for many years, he knew he wanted to open his own bar. Once again, his regular customers supported and encouraged him. They helped find him a location on Cherry St. for his tequila bar concept. In April 2023, German opened The Daisy Tequila Bar. "This was another big risk, but it has been worth it," said German. The Daisy Tequila Bar is Macon's first and only tequila bar, offering dozens of artisan tequilas, handcrafted cocktails, and Mexican street food small plates. Like La Bella Morelia, it also serves an off-menu perk – friendly faces and a homey environment. "We always want all of our customers to feel like they are at their home and part of our family," said German. "That's something our mom has always taught us. 'Be a good person; be humble and friendly to everyone.'" That mindset, and their yummy recipes, have allowed the family to expand again. Around the time German was opening the Tequila Bar, his 34-year-old brother, Marco, was getting La Bella Morelia food truck up and running. Taking it to the streets "I worked in construction, and we had quick 30-minute lunch breaks. Didn't give us much time to eat good food," said Marco. "That's where the food truck idea came from. I talked to German about it, and he said, 'Let's do it, but you'll be in charge of it.'" The food truck became operational in summer 2023. Since then, it sizzles almost every day of the week at different businesses like Kumho Tire, car dealerships, Geico, and schools. It rolls to special events day and night, with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and tostadas. "We've been very blessed to stay this busy with the truck," said Marco. "It's like, if we look for it, we find it." Familia, always Angelica believes they've been blessed in so many aspects, to the point that sometimes, she doesn't believe this is the life she lives. While her two sons are responsible for the Tequila Bar and food truck, they still come by the restaurant to help. Angelica's daughters Nayeli and Yari help at the restaurant a majority of the time; it's likely that if you've been to the restaurant, you have been greeted by their warm smiles and waited on by them. The youngest, Allison, who is 14 years old, helps when she's not at school. "It's hard because when you have four small children and you're working hard to give them a better life, then 11 years after the last child, you have another," said Angelica. "For me, it was very difficult, but at the end of the day, I'm thankful because my children are still with me and have never left my side." The Marin family says the goal is to continue growing the business and for each sibling to have their own business, but to always stay together. "I always tell them to remain close and united because there is nothing more important than family," said Angelica. "I hope they will always remain that way and never forget where they come from." People said Macon wasn't ready for authentic Michoacán food. Angelica took it as a challenge. Visit orderlabellamorelia.com to learn more and place orders online, and follow La Bella Morelia on Facebook for the scoop on upcoming food truck locations. ABOVE Marco Marin stands with wife Savannah at La Bella's food truck, used for catering and special events.

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