The Man Behind La Casa del Chimi – Morenito
In the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania, just off 4th and Walnut, there’s a place that always smells like a Caribbean home. That place is La Casa del Chimi, a bustling hub of sizzling griddles, fresh food, and bold Caribbean flavors. And at the center of it all is Jose O. De la Cruz, better known by his nickname, Morenito—a local legend with a smile as warm as his sazón.
Born in San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic, Morenito came to the United States in 1995. His journey began with a short stay in Puerto Rico, followed by several years in New York City. Eventually, he found his way to Reading, PA, thanks to an in-law, and it was here that his story as an entrepreneur truly began. From washing dishes and making deliveries to owning a bodega and a food truck, Jose worked his way up, step by step, hustle by hustle. With the food truck, he slowly built a loyal following of food lovers who couldn’t resist the sizzling aroma of the street-style Chimi. Fifteen years ago, he took a chance on a dream and opened a brick-and-mortar that is still standing stronger than ever today, La Casa del Chimi, located at 402 Franklin St, Reading, PA 19602
For those unfamiliar, a Chimi is more than just a sandwich in the Dominican Republic—it’s a cultural staple. Made with seasoned, grilled meats—often pork, beef, or chicken—piled high with crunchy cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and drizzled with a tangy pink sauce, all tucked into a warm, fluffy roll, the Chimi is bold, messy, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s the kind of food you crave late at night or during a street festival—and Jose made sure his tasted just like the ones you’d find on a corner in Santo Domingo.
But La Casa del Chimi has grown far beyond serving a classic sandwich. Now, it’s a sit-down or to-go restaurant, and Morenito’s kitchen is alive from morning until late at night, cooking non-stop to meet the demands of a city hungry for Latin flavors. From slow-cooked oxtails to tender goat stew, fried plantains, pork belly, many soups and stews to tropical juices, the menu is a vibrant mix of Dominican favorites and Caribbean comfort food. You’ll find dishes that resonate with people from across the islands and beyond—Dominicans, Colombians, Ecuadorians, Haitians, Nigerians, Kenyans, Puerto Ricans, and African immigrants all call La Casa del Chimi their go-to spot.
What sets Morenito apart, though, isn’t just the food; it’s the mission behind it. He never forgot his roots or the power of community. He gives back as often as he serves plates and shows up when people need him most. Ask anyone in Reading, and they’ll tell you—he’s not just a businessman, he’s a community builder.
Today, La Casa del Chimi isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a Berks County Caribbean landmark. A place where cultures mix and where all walks of life line up daily to get their Caribbean fix. Morenito’s journey is proof that with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of flavor, you can build something lasting, just like the Chimi that made it all happen.
Rosa J. Parra
Founder & Editor, Palo Magazine
