Flavours of Venezuela in the heart of Zagreb and Goat! 

(Photo: Arepera Maracay)

Zagreb, 9th December 2024 – Leaving behind a familiar and secure environment to pursue one’s dreams takes courage, patience, and determination.

Sanja Akrap Luque and Daniela Paškov, the owners of Arepera Maracay and Goat! restaurants in the Croatian capital Zagreb, embody these qualities.

Having left corporate careers, they brought valuable skills into the world of hospitality, facing challenges that pushed them to grow and evolve.

Their determination, passion, and commitment to their work prove that success is achievable, even in unfamiliar territory.

With the support of their families and faith in their vision, Sanja and Daniela have turned challenges into opportunities. Smiling guests are their greatest reward, while their continuous growth is a testament to their hard work.

The Flavours of Venezuela in the Heart of Zagreb: Arepera Maracay

Arepera Maracay is located in the heart of Zagreb’s newly pedestrianised zone. Though small in size, this restaurant bursts with the powerful flavours and aromas of Venezuela.

Situated on Preradovićeva Street, many stop to gaze at the colourful display that invites exploration of the treasures within. Inside, Latin American music fills the space, and the owners warmly chat with guests. The air is filled with exotic scents that awaken the senses, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.

From the moment you step in, you feel the warmth of the place, while the smiles of satisfied guests, including many tourists, make it clear that the food and service are truly exceptional.

This vibrant oasis of colour and flavour is led by the charismatic duo Sanja and Ricardo.

Ricardo and Sanja (Photo: Arepera Maracay)

Sanja, an energetic creative who swapped her corporate life for a hospitality adventure, and Ricardo, a talented musician and native Venezuelan, have poured their passion and personality into every corner of this space.

Their creativity is reflected not only in the décor but also in the rich menu designed to introduce guests to authentic Venezuelan flavours.

Sanja, always smiling and full of life, shines in her role as host. She admits that balancing her immense passion for the business with daily responsibilities is her greatest challenge, but her husband Ricardo provides steadfast support.

It was his Venezuelan roots and love for arepas that inspired the idea of opening the restaurant. Their shared vision was to create a place that would bring Venezuela closer to guests through rich flavours and a welcoming atmosphere.

“Arepera Maracay is a cheerful meeting place where different cultures connect, bringing the taste of my husband’s homeland through healthy and high-quality exotic food. That’s what our guests value most—the uplifting meals, the richness of Venezuelan cuisine, the warm ambiance, and the homely atmosphere. It’s why they keep coming back,” Sanja shared.

(Photo: Arepera Maracay)

Sanja proudly notes that her love for arepas led her into the world of hospitality four years ago.

Today, despite working harder than ever, she says she is happier than ever.

The freedom to create and make her own decisions was the key motivation for leaving the safety of a corporate career and stepping into what she calls the uncertain yet exciting waters of entrepreneurship.

From the start, the support of friends meant the world to her.

“The opportunity to do what I love and choose my own path fulfils me completely. Being in the city centre brings the advantage of curious visitors who often end up ordering several dishes, but it’s less convenient for our loyal customers from other parts of Zagreb. That’s where our partnership with Bolt Food is invaluable—it has been a reliable partner since day one, with an app that is fast, functional, and dependable,” Sanja explained.

For Sanja, the leap from corporate rules to the creative freedom of hospitality was a step she has never regretted. Her enthusiasm, passion, and relentless work have turned Arepera Maracay into a place where exceptional food is served with genuine love for the craft and the guests.

From Teacher to Pizza Maestro: Goat!

Daniela Paškov, the owner of Goat!, took a bold step from the security of school classrooms into the unpredictable world of hospitality—a decision born out of both courage and a love for culinary innovation.

This daring change not only redefined her professional journey but also revolutionised how we perceive takeaway pizza. Above all, Daniela’s family and friends stood by her, supporting her decision, even though some didn’t understand why she would trade a stable teaching career for the dynamic and uncertain world of hospitality.

Despite the sceptics, Daniela has proven that courage is the key to every great success.

“My story has inspired many who are contemplating change,” Daniela revealed with a smile. “The idea for the restaurant came spontaneously, like most ideas, but this one stayed. I felt the time was right and thought—why not?” She admits, however, that she might not have embarked on this adventure without the support of her partner, Mario Šimunović, whose passion for food surpasses even hers.

(Photo: Goat!)

Alongside him, her son Luka has been part of this family endeavour from the very beginning.

“Working with family adds a unique value and depth to this business. Together, we share the passion, effort, and joy of every success,” Daniela said. Today, Goat! has become synonymous with exceptional quality and a new pizza experience—a blend of tradition, passion, love, and creativity. Daniela’s decision to follow her heart and listen to her inner voice has enriched her life and shown that the greatest risks often lead to the most beautiful stories.

The Secret of the Perfect Pizza: Tradition Meets Quality

Goat!’s pizzas are distinguished by their dough, which undergoes a long fermentation process to achieve a light, crispy yet soft base. Remarkably, this dough retains its perfection and flavour even after delivery—a rarity in the pizza world. Every pizza is crafted using carefully selected, top-quality ingredients.

Many are sourced from across Croatia, while key components that preserve Italian tradition are imported from Italy. This blend of local and Italian ingredients results in pizzas that surpass ordinary expectations—a gastronomic delight combining the best of both worlds.

Overcoming Challenges: A New Beginning

Both Sanja and Daniela brought organisational skills from the corporate world into running their restaurants.

However, they admit to facing new challenges. Daniela struggled initially with financial calculations such as profit margins, while Sanja realised she had to juggle roles as a lawyer, accountant, and financial adviser.

Organisation, procedures, teamwork, and adaptability form the foundation of their success. Despite the challenges, they find the greatest reward in the smiles of satisfied guests.

For Daniela, one memorable moment confirmed she was on the right path. A few months after opening, an elderly gentleman named Jan called her, delighted by their pizzas.

“He told me our restaurant transported him 40 years back to a small town near Rome, where he last enjoyed such incredible pizza. He couldn’t believe he’d experience it again and felt compelled to congratulate us,” Daniela recalled with a smile.

For Sanja, the joy lies in sharing her love of Venezuelan dishes with guests, while Daniela cherishes seeing the delight on people’s faces as they enjoy her pizzas. Their stories are an inspiration to anyone considering a career change—proof that with courage, passion, and hard work, anything is possible.

(Photo: Arepera Maracay)

Delivery as a Vital Link: A Partnership with Bolt Food

Both owners recognise the importance of delivery in today’s lifestyle. Arepera Maracay and Goat! are available via the Bolt Food platform, allowing them to reach a broader audience and streamline operations.

“Bolt Food has been a reliable partner,” said Sanja. “With our small space, delivery allows us to serve more guests and remain accessible to loyal customers regardless of their location. Times have changed, and so have people’s habits. Delivery has become an integral part of everyday life,” she explained.

Inspiration for Those Ready to Take Flight

Sanja and Daniela’s stories remind us that courage is the key to success. With passion and determination, they have turned their dreams into thriving businesses.

Arepera Maracay and Goat! not only offer exceptional cuisine but inspire those considering a bold career change. For Sanja and Daniela, each smile from a satisfied guest is confirmation that they made the right choice.