Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Richmond’s Locally-Owned Businesses
Richmond’s local business community is rich with Latin culture, flavor, and creativity. Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate the Latin-owned businesses that make RVA’s food, drink, and cultural scene so vibrant year-round. From long-standing neighborhood favorites to family-run newcomers, these local businesses bring the tastes and traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean to life across the region.
Owner José Ramos of Café Legacy Fresh runs a family-owned business bringing the finest coffee from Honduras and Guatemala to Richmond’s farmers markets With a deep respect for coffee-growing heritage, José works directly with farmers to ensure every batch is crafted with care, sustainability, and excellence. Stop by his booth to experience bold, rich flavors while supporting a business that uplifts coffee-growing communities abroad.
Located in Church Hill and named for the legendary Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Kahlo’s Taqueria & Bar celebrates the authentic side of Mexican culture and cuisine. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from tacos and seafood to a popular weekend brunch, all beautifully plated and inspired by the artistry and vibrancy of Mexican heritage.
A true Richmond staple, Kuba Kuba has been serving homestyle Cuban food for more than 25 years. Known for its warm neighborhood feel and iconic murals, this Fan District favorite keeps locals coming back for Cuban sandwiches, paella, huevos rancheros, and the beloved tres leches cake. Kuba Kuba’s consistency, friendly staff, and authentic flavors make it a cornerstone of Richmond dining.
Located in Shockoe Bottom, La Bodega draws inspiration from the lively corner stores of New York City, bringing together Puerto Rican, Dominican, Cuban, and Colombian influences under one roof. The result is a flavorful, diverse menu that celebrates Latin culture through dishes like empanadas, pressed sandwiches, and mofongo, all served in a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere.
Family-owned and proudly rooted in tradition, La Milpa Mexican Restaurant offers authentic Mexican cuisine made with love. Known for its tacos, enchiladas, and tamales, La Milpa blends traditional flavors with a warm, family-oriented environment. The restaurant remains deeply connected to the local community, supporting neighborhood events and celebrations throughout the year.
Brothers Adam and Dionis Taveras, founders of Latin Quarter Kitchen, bring creativity and Dominican flair to Richmond’s food scene. Known for using smashed plantains instead of bread to make their signature “patacón” sandwiches, the menu spans Latin America— from the Cuban sandwich to the Dominican-inspired “El Mayimbe.” With every dish made fresh from scratch, Latin Quarter offers an authentic, home-style taste “como lo hacía mi mamá” (just like my mom used to make it).
Loquito Coquito is a family-owned business sharing Puerto Rico’s beloved holiday drink with Richmond all year long. Handcrafted in small batches, their traditional coquito is creamy, rich, and made with authentic ingredients. With a rotating selection of seasonal flavors, Loquito Coquito delivers a taste of Puerto Rican tradition that’s perfect for sharing and celebrating any occasion.
Founded by a husband-and-wife team from Colombia, My Empanada specializes in one of Latin America’s most iconic street foods. These golden, crescent-shaped pastries are baked fresh daily using traditional family recipes from Colombia and South America. Available at their West End shop and through mobile vending carts, My Empanada offers both ready-to-eat and frozen empanadas, complemented by fresh, house-made salsas that reflect the couple’s dedication to sharing Latin flavors and culture with Richmond.
What began as a family salsa recipe has grown into Salsas Don Sebastian, a Richmond-based brand producing handcrafted Mexican salsas, dips, and sauces. Their products are made with authentic ingredients and are available at local markets and grocery stores including Wegmans, Whole Foods, Good Foods Grocery, Libbie Market, and Ellwood Thompson’s. Each jar represents a small-batch blend of tradition, flavor, and local pride.
The Queen’s Library Tea Room In the heart of historic Richmond, The Queen’s Library Tea Room offers an elegant English-style tea experience with global inspiration. While best known for its traditional service featuring teas sourced from London’s legendary Fortnum & Mason, the tea room also hosts themed experiences such as Holiday Tea, Hobbit Tea, and Queen Elsa Tea.
