How a NYC Mexican eatery grew to celebrate the Latino LGBTQ+ community

Shining a Light on Local Restaurant: Café Oen’s Journey to Success

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we take a moment to recognize the incredible contributions of the diverse Latino communities around the world. Here in New York City, we’re spotlighting a remarkable local gem: Café Oen. This family-owned restaurant is serving up Mexican classics with a side of warm hospitality for all, and our very own NBC digital reporter, Maya Eagland, brings us the story of the family behind the restaurant.

Jonathan Pérez, who came to the US from Mexico at just four years old, shared his personal journey of perseverance and self-discovery. As a child, he faced bullying in his elementary school, with classmates taunting him with derogatory names like "Taco Boy." However, this experience only fueled his determination to succeed.

Jonathan’s family opened Café oen in the 1990s as a deli and restaurant that transformed into a lively Kumbia dance hall on weekends in East Harlem. Their goal was to provide for their family and community, while sharing a piece of Mexican culture with the growing Hispanic community in the area. As Jonathan notes, "It was important for us to sell a lot of products that would remind the Mexican community of home, like tortillas, fries, and jalapeños."

In fact, Mexican immigrants make up the second-largest group of Latinx immigrants in NYC, representing one of the highest shares of essential workers in the city, according to NYC.gov.

From Family Business to Personal Discovery

For Jonathan, his involvement with Café Oen began at a young age, working part-time jobs to support the family business. After completing junior high school, he began to feel disconnected and struggled to focus, eventually leaving the family business to pursue a career at a national salad chain.

However, a particular manager introduced him to the queer community, and for the first time, Jonathan felt a sense of belonging. "I just didn’t see myself coming back to the family business," he reflects. "I think it was still very much taboo, especially in the Hispanic community, the Mexican community, back then."

During the pandemic, when small businesses, including Café oen, faced significant challenges, Jonathan realized his family needed his support. He quit his corporate job and returned to his family’s restaurant, determined to showcase his identity as a queer business owner and create a welcoming environment for the Latino, Mexican, and immigrant communities.

A Recipe for Success

Jonathan’s story is not unique, as many Latinx LGBTQ+ youth struggle with their mental health and identity. According to a survey from the Trevor Project, 44% of Latinx LGBTQ+ youth have considered suicide. Jonathan’s father and brother handle most of the cooking, and his advice to young people who feel like they don’t belong is simple: "You don’t need a whole crowd of people to feel safe to feel protected. Literally, two or three friends is all you need. Blood doesn’t define family. The right mixture of family, friends, and culture can make the perfect recipe for success."

Stay Tuned

We’re grateful to Café Oen for sharing their story and for being a beacon of warmth and hospitality in our community. For the latest news and top stories, stay updated on the NBC News app or follow us on social media.