Hector Piña & Nivia Piña

JOINT

Hector and Nivia Piña are the owners and operators behind 3 Islas Group, the hospitality company behind beloved Massachusetts restaurants, including Merengue Restaurant, Vejigantes, Doña Habana, Merengue Express and Vejigantes Worcester. Together, they have built a family of restaurants rooted in Caribbean and Latin culture, known for vibrant cuisine, warm hospitality, and deep community engagement.

For over 30 years, their work has blended entrepreneurship, culture, and community impact through restaurants, catering, and event experiences across Boston and Worcester. Their newest venture, Vejigantes Worcester at the historic Bull Mansion, reflects their passion for revitalizing spaces through food, culture, and meaningful connections.

NIVIA PIÑA

Nivia Piña is a restaurateur, educator, and community leader based in Massachusetts. As co-owner of 3 Islas Group, she helps lead several acclaimed restaurant concepts, including Merengue Restaurant, Vejigantes, Doña Habana, and Vejigantes Worcester. Her work focuses on hospitality, cultural representation, catering, and community-centered events that celebrate Caribbean and Latin traditions.

In addition to her work in hospitality, Nivia has spent more than 15 years working in Boston Public Schools as a special education educator and bilingual assessor, advocating for multilingual students and families. She is passionate about creating spaces where culture, food, education, and community come together.

HECTOR PIÑA BIO

Hector Piña is a longtime restaurateur and entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. As founder and co-owner of 3 Islas Group, he has helped shape some of Massachusetts’ most recognized Caribbean and Latin dining destinations, including Merengue Restaurant, Vejigantes, Doña Habana, and Vejigantes Worcester.

Known for his vision, resilience, and commitment to authentic Caribbean cuisine, Hector has dedicated his career to building businesses that celebrate culture, family, and community. His leadership continues to expand the group’s impact through catering, events, and the restoration of historic spaces like the Bull Mansion in Worcester.