Café Mamajuana: Latinx Restaurant & Bodega

• What is the mission of your company or project?

Our mission is to serve up Latin comfort food, with a side of nostalgia and a fine dose of "sabor". We satisfy all diets & tingle all tastebuds. 

• Describe the problem you are solving.

Café Mamajuana brings authentic representation to an otherwise monotonous and noninclusive food industry (within Vermont). We will fix this by offering Latinx cuisine that is not only delicious-- but is undeniably authentic. As of now, Vermont is experiencing a Latin Product Shortage. We intend to create a market for these products & be the first to sell predominately Latinx Products in Vermont. 

Our cuisine highlights our histories and DNA. We hope to eliminate the stigma surrounding ethnic restaurants and prove we are capable of excellence, freshness, & aesthetics. The whole "she"-bang. As of now Burlington, Vermont has nothing like what Café Mamajuana intends to offer. 

• What is the market size/opportunity?

Our Market size is as large as we can grow without compromising our authenticity and direct involvement within our community. We will begin small, local & engaged and hopefully expand to regional markets (once equipt) & continue in excellence there as well.  

• What is your company/product about and how does it solve the problem? 

Our Company is interested in expressing the intricacies of human DNA by showcasing how a "Dominican Restaurant" is so much more than just one thing. We will connect the people of Burlington with Dominican, Afro-Caribbean, Taino and Spanish culture by using food as a vessel of tradition, nostalgia, and identity. We hope to unpack the intricacies of the Transatlantic Slave Trade & Colonialization by incorporating the flavors they left behind into our dishes and story. We will teach through taste and avoid appropriation through authenticity. 

Why are you seeking funding and how will you spend the funding?

We are seeking funding to get this project off the ground and into a proper physical location. We intend to use the funds to secure a location, restaurant equipment, and a contingency fund. 

• Who is on your team?

Our team is comprised of myself,  Maria Lara-Bregatta: Owner, Chef & general operator. I will be working in conjunction with a Kitchen Collective affording us access to other Chefs & Industry folks that can help us along our journey and offer sound advice. I also have the honor to work with my father-- Head Chef Luis Lara. He has taught me all I know about food. He raised me in a Dominican Restaurant of his own and has taught me the ropes throughout the years. 

Our Team also includes: 

Partner in Love Geovann 

Kitchen Collective Partners: Abby & Emily

Restaurant Mentors: PJ from "Artsriot" & Jacob from "Deli 126",  Benji from "Skinny Pancake",

Sous Chef Seamus

Goddess & overall Model of Latinx Excellence Isora L

Photographer Luke Awtry

Assistant Manager (TBD)

Mascot Doggies Vito & Opie

A Special thanks to those who lead with an open mind and an open heart. Thank you for listening, thank you for contributing, and thank you for being you! We appreciate your generosity, time and understanding.

Muchas Gracias.