If you”™re not quite satisfied with the array of packaged foods offered in the United States, a new store in White Plains is upping the choices ”” with unique flavors of drinks, candy and snacks curated though the global travels of the owner himself.
Philip Quiroz, founder of Hudson Valley Exotics, started his business in Poughkeepsie, where he now has two locations selling snacks and drinks imported from across the world.
His latest shop, opened with partner Yashaas Bhagwanani, is 914 Exotics at 152 E. Post Road in White Plains.
“I was born and raised in White Plains,” Quiroz said. “I first started out with one of my other partners up in Poughkeepsie. But I said to myself, I have to bring this back home, cause I”™m from White Plains and Westchester, so I wanted to bring something different here to the community and being that I was from here, that was one of my goals. So along with the help of my teammates, we were able to do that and eventually open up.”
“Initially, I always wanted to run my own business,” he said. “I went to school for international business and along with going to school I also really developed a passion for traveling. I started visiting different countries and when I would go out to just walk around and explore, I would go to these different supermarkets, and see so many varieties of snacks and drinks that just kind of like a light bulb went off in my head.”
After starting out selling to friends, family and a circle of others through an Instagram account, @914exotics, he knew he had to find a way to keep selling these items and reaching new customers in the U.S.
“I started posting online, I started taking pictures of stuff, putting on prices and people would start writing me to ask if it was for sale,” he said. “Friends and family, they really just wanted to taste all these different drinks. They wanted to buy it.”
He started out bringing back rare sodas and eventually expanded his model to include the variety of snacks and candy his customers enjoy today. He also added two more members to his team, in addition to Bhagwanani: Alex Vitonera and Robin Kube, the latter of whom helps operate the company from Germany.
They have contacts in each country they import from, who put the shipments together and send them to be sold to customers at locations in Poughkeepsie, the Poughkeepsie Galleria and White Plains.
Eventually, the company could see a big expansion.
“My plan is to expand nationwide, hit all major cities,” Quiroz said. “But I think for right now, we”™re more focused on Dutchess County and Westchester County, and developing an established business in both places, and then slowly expanding to different cities around the states.”
For now, customers can visit one of the three locations, where Quiroz, Bhagwanani or their staff will help them navigate the unique offerings.
“People are very intrigued,” Quiroz said. “Sometimes they get a little overwhelmed, but in a good way, because they see so many picks that they can choose from.”
If you”™re overwhelmed, try out some of Quiroz”™s personal favorites: Honey Chili Doritos from Korea or Maynard”™s Cherry Blasters gummies from Canada. If you”™re looking for a real rarity, the White Peach Fanta from Japan ”” Quiroz”™s top pick ”” was recently discontinued, and he will be receiving its last shipments in the next few weeks.
Delivery from 914 Exotics is also available through UberEats.
