If you haven’t noticed it yet, Latinos are becoming an economic force on Penn Ave in West Reading. Obviously, it’s not just in those famously known five or six blocks but also in general, and throughout the United States. Our Latinos & Hispanics small businesses are growing and at a super-fast rate.
However, in this edition in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I wanted to share the Latino & Hispanic growth on Penn Avenue in the last couple of years. Growing up in Berks County I can remember when the West Reading strip on Penn Avenue was where many Latinos would just drive by as a shortcut to get to the Berkshire Mall or Wyomissing stores, but businesses weren’t owned or operated by Latinos back then.
Today in 2023 I’m excited to share this list of 16 (there could be more) businesses in West Reading that are on the Ave or around the Avenue and that are either owned by a Latino or Hispanic or even partnered with one. I’m sorry if I missed any names. There is a great mix of Latin & Hispanic roots on the Ave. Some are from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and even Cuba. Most of them, if not, all are bilingual, which increases their sales opportunities and allows them to provide great customer service skills, in turn bringing more diversity, flavor & business to West Reading, Reading, and Pennsylvania in general.
- Ady Cakes
- Beer Wall on Penn
- Com?lli Taqueria
- Finch + Fern
- Fine Linez Barbershop
- FXV Digital Design
- J. P Tailoring
- La Abuela Mexican Restaurant
- Let’s Taco About It
- Mendez Flooring
- Origen Hair Studio
- Refillable Goods
- Rise Up Nutrition
- Takkii Ramen
- Texture Curl Bar
- Winnie Tea Bar
As a Latina, I’ve even heard some other Latinos criticize them as being sellouts, for not staying in the main city. However, I applaud them because in business if you want to succeed you have to take your business where it makes sense according to your business plan and that is just basic business class 101. Besides it’s always been stated that LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is key. Congratulations to all the Latino-Hispanic business owners during our special month of celebrating our cultural heritage.
Rosa J. Parra
Editor and Founder Palo Magazine
