Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergio Gavilanes.
Hi Sergio, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a South American immigrant, I spent years searching for the authentic taste of home—the perfect Ecuadorian chifle. After countless bags of store-bought chips left me disappointed by their lack of soul and freshness, I realized that if I wanted to taste my childhood again, I had to create it myself.
What started with a $2.00 peeling knife and a passion for ancestral recipes quickly turned into a family favorite, and then a community sensation. In 2012, Ecuafry LLC was born in Minneapolis. By fusing the heart of Ecuador with the crisp perfection of a golden fry, we don’t just make snacks; we share a piece of our heritage, proving that with a small tool and a big dream, you can bring the flavor of home to the world!
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?
As an Ecuadorian immigrant entrepreneur, navigating language barriers and complex Minnesota business regulations was my first major hurdle. Through the guidance of institutions like the SBA and MEDA, I found the support needed to launch Ecuafry LLC in my own language. Today, we face new challenges: recent shifts in immigration enforcement have led to labor shortages and a dip in local sales. In response, we are aggressively expanding into the broader North American market, bringing the authentic South American flavors of Ecuador to a wider audience. The road hasn’t been easy, but my experience as a business owner in Ecuador fuels my commitment to share our heritage through every snack we produce.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Ecuafry LLC?
I want my customers to experience the premium crunch of Ecuafry, where global tradition meets artisanal quality. Our best-sellers include The Chifle of Minnesota, crispy green plantains lightly seasoned with sea salt, and The Corn of Minnesota, a savory toasted corn snack packed with garlic and onion flavor. For potato lovers, The Papita of Minnesota delivers a perfect kettle-style crunch using the finest Wisconsin Russet potatoes. Now a multicultural favorite across North American, Hindu, and European markets, Ecuafry is the go-to brand for snackers seeking authentic, high-quality flavors. Our journey is fueled by a commitment to our neighbors and a passion for sharing the authentic tastes of our roots with the entire world. Taste the growth—grab an Ecuafry snack today!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
To our wonderful Minnesota community: Thank you!
Your incredible support and trust in our products have been the heartbeat of our journey so far.
At Ecuafry, we have a dream: to bring the taste of fresh, locally crafted, artisanal snacks to diverse communities all across the nation. We want to showcase the quality that comes from small-batch craftsmanship and share it with every corner of the country.
To make this dream a reality, we need your continued support. Every purchase helps us grow, and we are officially seeking new vendors and distributors to help us expand our reach.
Join the Ecuafry family:
Visit our factory: Stop by and see us in New Brighton!
Order Online: Explore our full range at www.ecuafryllc.com.
Partner with us: For wholesale inquiries or distribution opportunities, call us directly at 612-655-1522.
Let’s take the taste of Minnesota-made quality nationwide!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ecuafryllc.com
- Instagram: Ecua Fry
- Facebook: ecuafryllc




