Mi Casa Su Casa, LLC
Owner: Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz
Location: Reading, PA
Business: Restaurant
Purpose of Loan: Start-Up and Working Capital
Impact: Economic Security
Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz was working two jobs as a college counselor and community center director in New York City when she learned her cousins wanted to sell their restaurant in downtown Reading. Jumping at the chance to fulfill her dreams and indulge her creative side, Johanny and her husband liquidated all of their assets to purchase the business and property, and relocated their family to Reading.
After a series of rejections, they approached Community First Fund for a loan to renovate the building. Today, her vibrantly decorated Mi Casa Su Casa café flourishes and regularly showcases local art and musicians.
Referring to our loan as a “life changer,” Johanny now spends her days cooking a range of American and Latin food for a steady stream of appreciative customers. By bringing good food, art and music together in one space, she’s living her dream and has turned Mi Casa Su Casa into a favorite gathering spot for the community.