Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicky Martinez.
Nicky, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Initially, Tropicale was the dream of its original owner, Alfredo Reyes Climaco. He opened the brick & mortar in June of 2020. During August of 2020, I was looking for work after some time off due to COVID. I remember seeing this beautifully bright bar truck parked on the current business’ patio just down the street from my apartment. Something about the space he was creating was so inviting and just called to me. Luckily, there was an ad for a bartender at Tropicale. I applied and got a call back. After an interview and a 10 hour “stage” that I’ll never forget, I felt at home for the first time in my 11 years in Portland. Alfredo was an amazingly charismatic person and very skilled at encouraging each person’s own unique talents. He pushed for me to be the GM at a time when I didn’t have enough faith in my own talents. In January 2021, we lost Alfredo due to COVID complications. It was an incredibly heartbreaking moment that was felt throughout the community. At this point, the business needed to make a decision whether to continue or close. We weren’t ready to say goodbye. We all believed in Alfredo’s vision and wanted to carry that on or at least try. At this point, I chose to step up to the role he had wanted me in. I became the GM, alongside the head chef, his sister, Viviana Reyes Climaco. We carried forward in creating an inviting tropical oasis where we could showcase the varied Latin American & Caribbean food & beverage of our cultures. Over the years, my love and passion for this place, our staff, & our community just continued to grow. Unfortunately though, the business was experiencing a downward trajectory in the most recent years. The remaining owners were ready to figure out their next steps. Viviana and I were approached with the decision to either continue the business on our own or be done completely. This was an extremely difficult decision to make, at first. Tropicale had faced me with many setbacks & learning curves but also so much growth and so much genuine joy. I don’t consider myself to be a risk taker, particularly in my sober life now. However, as I took a step back to look on the beautifully challenging yet rewarding 5 years of the business, I realized as I had before that I wanted to at least try. So, Viviana & myself took over as the new owners of Tropicale in January 2026. Not a lot of people get to say that they love what they do; I count myself among those people. I feel so fortunate & grateful that I get to continue to create such a warm & inviting space where we can connect with our culture & share it proudly with our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To begin with, losing Alfredo was truly challenging. Although I hadn’t known Alfredo for long at that point, he was incredibly inspiring and just amazing to be around. His presence is missed to this day but we do our best to keep his spirit alive at Tropicale.
Taking over a position I had no experience in had its own learning curves but I feel like I rose to the occasion, asking as many questions as I could along the way. During our time together, I feel like Alfredo saw my potential before I could and gently instilled more confidence in me, something I try to pass on to the rest of the staff. I feel like one of our biggest challenges has been how seasonal business is for us. Our seating is entirely outside, which is great for summer time but obviously has its limitations come fall & winter. Although we’ve done our best to weatherize the space for those seasons, its hard to get folks to come see us year round.
The service industry is anything but smooth. The challenges have also been kind of the best part as well though.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a fighter. I feel like in tough moments, I find a way to slow down & figure out solutions.
I love to take care of people. I love finding ways to connect with people. I want them to want to come back.
My proudest accomplishment has been nurturing an environment where the staff feels like family to one another.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Access all the resources at your disposal. Community is key but you need to make those connections, put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @drinktropicale
