Business
Support Little Rico: Keep Our Community Café Alive
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Help Keep Little Rico Alive + Thriving: A Puerto Rican & Dominican-Owned Hudson Valley Café
Many of you know me, Angelica, whether through Little Rico, a meal we have shared, a conversation across the counter, or a moment in the space we have built together.
For the past 7 years, Little Rico has grown from a small juice stand into a space for nourishment, culture, music, and community here in the Hudson Valley. June 21, 2026, will mark our 5-year anniversary here on Warren Street.
What we have built together goes beyond a café. It has been a place to gather, to feel seen, to share meals, to work, to dance, and to connect. I have poured everything I have into this space, and I know so many of you feel a sense of ownership in it too.
Right now, we are moving through one of the hardest seasons we have faced.
Over the last six months, we have seen a 50 to 60 percent decrease in sales compared to our busiest months, while our costs have continued to rise across the board. Food costs, payroll taxes, labor, operating fees, insurance, rent, and utilities have all increased. On top of that, we have experienced equipment breakdowns and unexpected repairs that have added even more strain.
This is the reality for many small businesses right now. We know we are not alone.
At the current pace, without additional support, we will have to close our doors, period.
That is not something I take lightly to say. I am doing everything I can to prevent that outcome.
Asking for help does not come easily to me. I have always carried a lot on my own. But over the years, I have seen how this community shows up, and I trust that. Little Rico would not be here without your support. With the right support now, we can stabilize and move into our next busy season with strength.
Vulnerability and Transparency
Little Rico has been built from the ground up without investors or outside financial backing. Over the years, I have grown this business alongside our team through hard work, reinvestment, and deep commitment to our community.
I have fully extended the options available to me, including loans and credit, to keep things moving forward through challenging moments like this. We were also grateful to receive early support from the Columbia Economic Development Center when we first started.
Last year, many of you showed up for us through our Little Rico Campaign to support our buildout expansion. Because of that support, we were able to add more seating and make our small space more welcoming and functional. That moment meant so much, and it is a reminder of what is possible when community comes together.
But the reality is, running a restaurant is no easy feat, especially in today’s climate.
As we navigate this moment, we are also open to connecting with angel investors who believe in what we are building and want to be part of its future.
This fundraiser is here to help us stabilize during this slower season so we can continue operating with care and integrity.
Our goal is to raise $65,000 to support operations over the next few months and carry us into our next busy season.
This funding is not for expansion. It is to sustain, protect jobs, keep our doors open, and continue showing up for our community and local farmers.
What Your Support Will Do
• Maintain consistent hours and income for our team
• Keep our doors open and our space secure
• Cover essential utilities needed for daily operations
• Maintain required business insurance
• Repair and care for the equipment we rely on every day
• Catch up on outstanding invoices and continue supporting our local farms and vendors
• Create a small cushion for day-to-day stability and unexpected needs
Why This Matters Now
This buffer allows us to move through the remainder of the slow season without making drastic cuts to our team or operations.
It allows us to pay our people, honor our vendors, and stay true to our values.
Little Rico has always been cyclical, and we know that with warmer months and increased activity, business will pick back up.
This support helps us bridge that gap.
Supporting Little Rico means supporting a small, independently owned business rooted in Puerto Rican and Dominican culture, built from the ground up, and dedicated to keeping culture alive in our community.
If you have ever shared a meal here, worked from our tables, danced during a spontaneous moment, or felt held in this space, you have been part of what makes Little Rico what it is.
If you are able to contribute, share, or simply continue showing up, it truly means everything right now.
We are committed to staying, growing, and continuing to serve this community with intention.
With so much gratitude,
Angelica
Seguimos Aquí
Many of you know me, Angelica, whether through Little Rico, a meal we have shared, a conversation across the counter, or a moment in the space we have built together.
For the past 7 years, Little Rico has grown from a small juice stand into a space for nourishment, culture, music, and community here in the Hudson Valley. June 21, 2026, will mark our 5-year anniversary here on Warren Street.
What we have built together goes beyond a café. It has been a place to gather, to feel seen, to share meals, to work, to dance, and to connect. I have poured everything I have into this space, and I know so many of you feel a sense of ownership in it too.
Right now, we are moving through one of the hardest seasons we have faced.
Over the last six months, we have seen a 50 to 60 percent decrease in sales compared to our busiest months, while our costs have continued to rise across the board. Food costs, payroll taxes, labor, operating fees, insurance, rent, and utilities have all increased. On top of that, we have experienced equipment breakdowns and unexpected repairs that have added even more strain.
This is the reality for many small businesses right now. We know we are not alone.
At the current pace, without additional support, we will have to close our doors, period.
That is not something I take lightly to say. I am doing everything I can to prevent that outcome.
Asking for help does not come easily to me. I have always carried a lot on my own. But over the years, I have seen how this community shows up, and I trust that. Little Rico would not be here without your support. With the right support now, we can stabilize and move into our next busy season with strength.
Vulnerability and Transparency
Little Rico has been built from the ground up without investors or outside financial backing. Over the years, I have grown this business alongside our team through hard work, reinvestment, and deep commitment to our community.
I have fully extended the options available to me, including loans and credit, to keep things moving forward through challenging moments like this. We were also grateful to receive early support from the Columbia Economic Development Center when we first started.
Last year, many of you showed up for us through our Little Rico Campaign to support our buildout expansion. Because of that support, we were able to add more seating and make our small space more welcoming and functional. That moment meant so much, and it is a reminder of what is possible when community comes together.
But the reality is, running a restaurant is no easy feat, especially in today’s climate.
As we navigate this moment, we are also open to connecting with angel investors who believe in what we are building and want to be part of its future.
This fundraiser is here to help us stabilize during this slower season so we can continue operating with care and integrity.
Our goal is to raise $65,000 to support operations over the next few months and carry us into our next busy season.
This funding is not for expansion. It is to sustain, protect jobs, keep our doors open, and continue showing up for our community and local farmers.
What Your Support Will Do
• Maintain consistent hours and income for our team
• Keep our doors open and our space secure
• Cover essential utilities needed for daily operations
• Maintain required business insurance
• Repair and care for the equipment we rely on every day
• Catch up on outstanding invoices and continue supporting our local farms and vendors
• Create a small cushion for day-to-day stability and unexpected needs
Why This Matters Now
This buffer allows us to move through the remainder of the slow season without making drastic cuts to our team or operations.
It allows us to pay our people, honor our vendors, and stay true to our values.
Little Rico has always been cyclical, and we know that with warmer months and increased activity, business will pick back up.
This support helps us bridge that gap.
Supporting Little Rico means supporting a small, independently owned business rooted in Puerto Rican and Dominican culture, built from the ground up, and dedicated to keeping culture alive in our community.
If you have ever shared a meal here, worked from our tables, danced during a spontaneous moment, or felt held in this space, you have been part of what makes Little Rico what it is.
If you are able to contribute, share, or simply continue showing up, it truly means everything right now.
We are committed to staying, growing, and continuing to serve this community with intention.
With so much gratitude,
Angelica
Seguimos Aquí