Hispanic Heritage Month: Meet Food Business Owner Betsy Cespedes 

From September 15 to October 15, the U.S. celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions of Hispanic people and Americans with ancestry from Spanish-speaking countries. Betsy Cespedes celebrates her Dominican Republic heritage through her business United Juice Bar and Grill, which serves food and beverages rooted in Dominican culture. 

Ms. Cespedes is a Manhattan Section 8 resident who graduated from the Food Business Pathways program in 2023. In addition to owning a business, she is a mother of three and a school social worker. The NYCHA Journal spoke with Ms. Cespedes about her business, Hispanic Heritage Month, and how she celebrates and shares Dominican culture. 

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? 
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities. It’s about recognizing the resilience, creativity, and spirit that our people bring to this country. It’s also an opportunity to honor my roots, my family, and all those who have shaped me. It’s a chance to reflect on how I can continue to uplift and serve my community while keeping our heritage alive.  

Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity and background?
I’m a proud Dominican-American woman. My maternal family hails from Los Hidalgo de Bayaguana, a small municipality in the Monte Plata province of the Dominican Republic. Those cultural influences have shaped every aspect of my life, from the food I grew up eating to the values I hold dear, especially the importance of family, community, and hard work. Growing up, my home was filled with the flavors and traditions of the Dominican Republic (DR), and those experiences now fuel my passion for sharing that culture with others through United Juice Bar and Grill.  

When did your family come to the U.S.?  
My maternal grandmother, Juana, immigrated to the U.S. in 1978, bringing two of her four children with her. She had been a seamstress in the DR and found work sewing clothes in a factory in Queens. Determined to build a better life for her family, she saved enough money to open her first clothing factory on 34th Street in Manhattan. Her children worked alongside her, helping the family business thrive. 

In 1985, she was able to bring her remaining two children to the U.S., one of whom was my mother. Not one to stop at just one success, in the late 1980s my grandmother opened her first restaurant, Los Angeles, on West 152nd Street and Broadway. Her journey from a factory seamstress to a successful business owner in both fashion and food has always inspired and reminded me of the power of perseverance and hard work. 

What are you most proud of about your Hispanic heritage?  
I’m most proud of our sense of community and resilience. In Dominican culture, we are taught to support one another, celebrate together, and rise above challenges. Our food, music, and traditions are all about bringing people together, and that’s something I cherish. I’m also incredibly proud of the strength and contributions of Hispanic women. Our mothers and grandmothers often serve as the backbone of our families, and their wisdom and perseverance are a constant source of inspiration for me.  

What are some ways you honor your Hispanic heritage?  
I honor my heritage through my work at United Juice Bar and Grill. Everything we do is a reflection of Dominican culture — from the fresh, vibrant flavors we use to the community-centered values we promote. I also make a point of supporting local farmers and sustainable practices, which honor the land and traditions of our ancestors. Additionally, I pass down cultural traditions to my daughters, making sure they understand the importance of our roots.  

Can you tell us more about your business and how it represents Dominican culture?  
United Juice Bar and Grill is thriving at a gradual pace! Most of our consumers are by word of mouth. We currently do not have a brick-and-mortar space or an online platform to sell our offerings and are still seeking investors, donations. And we take any opportunity to learn more about today’s food business industry. 

We offer a variety of fresh juices, shakes, smoothies, and immune system shots made from tropical fruits like papaya, guava, and soursop, as well as healing ingredients like turmeric and ginger. We also serve traditional Dominican pastelitos and are expanding to include a salad bar, açaí bowls, soups, and main dishes for catering. Every dish we offer reflects the natural, vibrant bounty of the Caribbean, with a focus on providing nutritious options that celebrate both taste and wellness.  

I recently graduated from the Startup NYCHA Cambio Labs entrepreneurial program, where I gained invaluable skills and expanded my entrepreneurial network. Through community/family street events, United Juice Bar and Grill held pop-up shops that allowed us to engage directly with the community. The response was incredible – people loved the fresh, authentic flavors. 

Can you tell us more about your grandmother’s businesses?  
My grandmother was a remarkable woman who owned and operated Los Angeles Restaurant in two locations in Manhattan — West Harlem and Washington Heights. At the end of each day, she would serve meals to the homeless, ensuring no one went hungry. You could often find her playing music, dancing from one end of the countertop to the other, bringing joy to both her customers and staff. Her restaurant was more than just a place to eat, it was a gathering space filled with warmth, laughter, and a deep sense of community. That spirit continues to inspire me as I carry forward her legacy through United Juice Bar and Grill.