- What’s your story? How did you get into this business?
My husband Javier and I are both from Mexico City. We both emigrated from Mexico to Rhode Island without our families, met here in Providence, and started our own family together. We always knew we wanted to start a business together and showcase our Mexican culture, heritage, and traditions with our newfound community here in Rhode Island. Both of us have decades of experience in the food and hospitality space and when we were presented with the opportunity and the investment to pursue our dream last year and we couldn’t let that pass. Our restaurant has been in business for almost a year and we have been so lucky to have the support of the community to guide us and lift us up during this difficult pandemic.
- Why do customers keep coming back?
Our Chef Carmen and my husband Javier know how to cook! They put their soul and passion behind every meal. We try to make food that is local, fresh, affordable, and still remaining authentic to what we would have back home. We also treat every single person that walks through our doors as family. We like to go above and beyond to make sure you have both a good quality meal and a great dining experience. We are here in this restaurant every single day, we want our staff to be happy, we want our customers to be happy, and we want to be happy leading this vision every day!
- How have you overcome the challenges of the pandemic?
It hasn’t been easy. We have been lucky to have had great social media traction that has helped us get the word out. Started a restaurant in the pandemic was very difficult to initially get attention. But because of our great customers and supporters online, we were able to get the attention of local media and neighboring businesses to help support us.
We were also grateful to receive some PPP loan assistance from the state that kept us moving and paying our employees what they deserve. We couldn’t have overcome the challenges of the pandemic alone.
- What’s on the horizon for you? What do customers have to look forward to?
Every month we have rotating, traditional Mexican specials! Check out our Instagram to see the latest specials of what we have. We also have a lot of new local art that we are helping promote. We want our space to be a community space where artists can showcase their work and we can amplify the arts and creativity.
- What do you want Rhode Islanders to know about small businesses?
Before the pandemic, small businesses were having a hard time just getting by or getting started. During the pandemic, it is even harder for us to get the resources we need to succeed. We went into business because we have a passion for our work and we’ll continue moving forward regardless of the challenges we face. But in times like these, it’s especially important to support small businesses. Buying local makes such a big difference. PLEASE always try to buy from restaurants directly instead of third-party delivery service and continue to spread the word if you had a good experience!
