Save Maria Cuquita!

Dear friends and community of Mismaloya,

I am humbly reaching out to seek your support for one of our beloved local businesses, Maria Cuquita, which has recently received an unexpected eviction notice. This comes despite two years of timely payments and significant investments. Brenda Valencia and Chef Armando, the passionate duo behind the restaurant, have finally just finished the final touches of their self financed improvements for the new season when this devastating news hit.

Maria Cuquita was born out of love and tribute to Brenda’s late mother, Maria, who was known for her incredible recipes and her generosity in sharing food with family, friends, and the community. Unfortunately with Maria’s sudden passing from Covid, she never had the opportunity to open her own restaurant but through Brenda's dedication, her dream has come to life.

Brenda and Armando left their positions at prominent restaurants in downtown Puerto Vallarta, such as the popular Las Palapas, to bring their expertise and their mother’s cherished recipes to the small beachside community of Mismaloya.

Anyone fortunate enough to dine at Maria Cuquita knows that the food, presentation, and Brenda’s warm smile surpass what one would expect from a small-town eatery. Dining here offers more than just a meal—it provides a taste of a realized dream.

Sadly, the eviction comes at a challenging time, just after significant personal investments were made to enhance the property with updated power, bathrooms, and a new kitchen. Despite rent increases three times in the past year, they have always paid on time.

Brenda and Armando are grateful for every customer who walks through the door—not through aggressive street side sales pitch, but with their warm hospitality and genuine smiles. They are humble people who do not deserve to see their hard work and resilience undermined by greed.

Please help me support them in any way possible as they navigate this hurdle. Whether through a small donation, sharing experienced advice, or lending a hand, your assistance would mean the world.

Personally, I have grown fond of this family; they welcomed me with open arms, making me feel like family in my new home away from home. Let’s come together for these hardworking, beautiful people in their time of need.

Thank you for your support!