Two new Latino-owned businesses open on Belmont Avenue

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Two new businesses are opening in a newly renovated building on Belmont Avenue in Springfield.

Today, local business owners cut the ribbon on the new Cafeteria Restaurant and Valley Smoke Shop on Belmont Avenue in Springfield, and they hope the work they put into their beautiful facility will pay off.

Mayor Sarno and Andrew Melendez of Latino EDC joined owners Argenis Ramos and Florangel Carrasco at their business' grand opening today... applauding their hard work and investment in the property.

The couple built their Dominican restaurant, Cafeteria Restaurant, basically from the ground up, adding a kitchen and restoring the existing building.

"We're gonna work hard to make it happen, to see the business growing," said business owner Argenis Ramos. "We're gonna work hard now in advertising, you know, see how people like the food."

Mayor Sarno thanked the couple for their investment, and Ramos added he hopes his new properties become a "betterment for the neighborhood".

Andrew Melendez stressed that these businesses could not open without passion, love, and support. Now, another Latino-owned business can begin making a positive impact on the city of Springfield.