Small Business Owners Spotlight: Karina Guimaraes of Pao de Queijo

Tucked away right off Broadway lies Pao de Queijo, a splendid Brazilian restaurant. It’s one of my favorite spots to grab a smoothie on my way to work, and their burgers are some of the most unique in the neighborhood. We’re thrilled that their owner, Karina Guimaraes, took a moment to share HER Astoria with us. Read on, and then try some of their one-of-a-kind menu items!

Name of Business

New York Pao de Queijo

Owned By:

Karina Guimaraes

Year opened:

2007

Address:

31-90 30th St.

Known For:

Our gourmet burgers topped with everything from Brazilian sausage, fried eggs, and potato sticks, pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), and acai bowls/smoothies with fresh fruit and granola.

Where in Queens do you live?

Astoria, right around the corner from Queens Comfort.

How did you end up here?

Because of the Brazilian community. It has and continues to be inclusive and conductive to the restaurant. I love to see regular customers pop in everyday, sit in the same seats, while getting to know new Astorians.

What made you decide to open a store front in Astoria?

The uniqueness of Astoria. When we moved here, I felt right away a connection with the community.

What has been your favorite moment since opening?

Getting to know the great people that make-up the community and their willingness to try our food. Astorians have been inclusive to our unique Brazilian style since the start.

What’s your favorite item you sell?

Pao de Queijo. It’s loved by all, vegetarians, meat eaters, old and young. A little known secret: I try to be the first person everyday to “taste test” our Brazilian cheese bread, haha. (WHA note: Pao de queijo is a small, baked, cheese-flavored roll that is absolutely delicious!)

What’s the most popular item you sell?

Brazilian burgers, pao de queijo, acai bowls/smoothies.

What’s your favorite place to grab food while you’re working?

Aliada Restaurant.

What’s your favorite best-kept secret in Astoria?

Rudy’s Hobby & Art. I like to shop there for my kids.

What’s your favorite best-kept secret in Astoria? If you have family or friends visiting Astoria, where do you take them?

Socrates Sculpture Park. It’s a place I can bring friends and family from out of town and gaze at the weirdness that is lovingly Astoria.

How have you seen Astoria change since you’ve been here?

It has been getting busier with more businesses, people, and restaurants! It what makes me want to grow New York Pao de Queijo and make it better than the day before.

What’s your favorite part of being in Queens?

The diversity, it really is a true melting pot. Easiest access to other boroughs.

 

We’re lucky to have Pao de Queijo contributing to the melting pot that is Queens. Now let’s eat some burgers!

 

New York Pao de Queijo  (31-90 30th St.)
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