Business Spotlight · Lidarys Maldonado and Rey Ortiz’s story brings together entrepreneurship, community support, and a familiar taste of Puerto Rico.
CLEVELAND — Lidarys Maldonado and her husband, Rey Ortiz, launched Wakky’s TC Pinchos in 2021. Their business has since drawn attention through local coverage of Cleveland’s Puerto Rican cultural celebrations.
In July 2025, Cleveland 19 described their operation in Detroit-Shoreway and the couple’s effort to gather funds for a first location on Lorain Avenue. Maldonado said customers regularly messaged about weekend food availability and catering, helping keep them motivated as they worked toward growth. Read Cleveland 19’s report.
La Fiebre 101.7 FM
La Fiebre 101.7 FMLa música y la voz de Cleveland.ESCUCHA EN VIVOThe food photographs supplied for this spotlight show a broader selection alongside pinchos: chicken wings with tostones, plates of rice and beans with meat and salad, and a branded box bringing several foods together. The box pairs grilled skewers with rice, plantain portions, fried meat, salad, and sauces.
Their chicken pinchos connect that entrepreneurial journey to Puerto Rican street-food traditions. Speaking with Telemundo Cleveland ahead of the 2025 Puerto Rican Parade and Festival, Maldonado described the pincho stands familiar throughout the island. Her team planned to prepare 2,000 chicken skewers for the August 2–3 festival.
For Maldonado, the celebration also meant pride in her heritage. She described the excitement of seeing Puerto Rican flags and people wearing the island’s colors while preparing to serve the community. Read Telemundo Cleveland’s coverage.
Cleveland 19’s August 3 festival report again featured Maldonado expressing excitement about introducing more people to the business’s food. Read the festival report.
A later promotional connection appears in the Cleveland Boricua Block Party’s 2026 recap, which lists “Wakkys TC Pinchos — archived spotlight” among its preserved business artwork. Explore the event archive.
Their story highlights the work behind a local business: a couple pursuing growth, customers encouraging them along the way, and Puerto Rican food offering a way to connect with Cleveland’s community.
Reporting note: The Lorain Avenue location was a reported goal in 2025. Its opening, the business’s current address, operating hours, full menu, and official social profiles have not been independently verified.
A closer look at the food
Photos supplied for this spotlight. Dishes pictured are not a confirmed current menu.
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