Casa De Rios His Masterpiece

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Our Story

Vilenky is an experienced Chef and baker who takes pride in making the most decorative and delicious tasting cakes around. She will cator to your needs, while making the cake of your desired flavor and design. Owner of former Latin Alley Cafe NASHUA – Vilenky Rios won’t hesitate to tell patrons at her Latin Alley Cafe that she gives thanks to God and government for answering her prayer to someday own a restaurant. Her new cafe, a small venture tucked in the corner of a gas station convenience store, isn’t exactly a swanky downtown eatery, but Rios is nonetheless thrilled her prayers were answered, with a big assist from a city loan program. Latin Alley Cafe, which opened in September in the Twin Stop gas station directly off Exit 5E of the F.E. Everett Turnpike, fills a need in the community for Latin-flavored foods, Rios said. With “the largest subs” in Nashua, she said, the cafe offers Latin favorites such as a Cuban, Mexican chicken and other offerings, including quesadillas and more standard American fare such as hot dogs and salads. Soon, she hopes to rent time from a larger kitchen where she can prepare fuller Latin meals that “pop” in your mouth, she said. Her cafe doesn’t have the larger equipment needed for such kitchen work. These “popping” menu items will include empanadas with beans, shrimp, pork and beans. Cost will range from $1 to $5 for a full plate. Rios describes the opening of her cafe and her future plans with an enthusiasm that won over the city committee that approved a micro-loan to start Latin Alley Cafe, said Linda LaFleur, a program coordinator in the city Economic Development office. “She has been an absolute joy to work with,” LaFleur said. “Her enthusiasm is contagious.” Aside from thanking God, Rios also credits City Hall for the $7,500 micro-loan. She said she otherwise wouldn’t have ever been able to open the cafe and start chasing her dream. “This mico-loan … it’s a blessing to get it from them,” Rios said recently while taking a break from cafe duties. Rios had applied for funding at two Nashua banks, but she said the loan officers told her even though they had confidence her business would succeed, they couldn’t lend her money without any collateral. But one of those bank executives told Rios to apply for a city micro-loan. The loan program is funded with Community Development Block Grants, and borrowers must meet one of three standards: The business must serve a mostly low-income area in the city; it’s a small venture with five or fewer employees; and jobs must go to low-income individuals. Latin Alley Cafe fit that criteria, and Rios impressed the loan committee with her experience in the food service industry and knowledge of just about every detail to running a small business, LaFleur said. Rios had long worked at Starbucks in Nashua and more recently in the kitchen of MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Mass. Rios also wowed the committee with her food, LaFleur said. “We met last spring or summer,” LaFleur said. “She had found a location, but needed working capital. She had no collateral.” Rios has appreciated LaFleur’s and the city’s help. LaFleur has stayed connected with Rios to discuss all manner of things about business. “It’s not like a loan where they say, ‘Here’s your money. See you later,’” Rios said. That connection helped Rios with another program. Aside from the mico-loan, she qualified for an $1,800 grant through a city program, called Best Retail Practices, that helps city retailers and restaurateurs with interior design and marketing. A marketing expert has been to the cafe suggesting ways to improve exterior signs and the interior layout of the cafe, Rios said. The city hired the expert, GraberMarketing’s Christine Moynihan, for the program with CDBG money. Rios, 31, wants to someday own a diner. She is thankful, she said, to finally get started down that path with the cafe. “You’re not eating at a gas station. You’re eating at a cafe that has gas,” she said of her leased spot. Rios will close Feb. 25 and reopen in late March. The reason? She said God answered another prayer, one forwarded by her daughter. Her daughter asked for a baby brother; Rios is expecting a child next month. For more information, visit LatinAlley.com Albert McKeon