Plaza Coyoacan: Building Community One Plate at a Time

(4 Minute Read) — In the heart of Southeast Portland, the scent of slow-cooked mole and handmade tortillas drifts through the air. Inside Plaza Coyoacan, the walls echo with laughter, conversation, and the rich culture of southern Mexico City. For owners Ricardo López Ortega and Leticia Bonilla Madrigal, this is more than a restaurant. It is a lifelong dream and a deeply personal mission. 

From Mexico City to Portland: The Story Behind Plaza Coyoacan

Plaza Coyoacan is named after their hometown, a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Mexico City filled with color, tradition, and street food that brings people together. Ricardo and Leticia wanted to capture that spirit in Portland and create a place where neighbors could experience the same warmth and flavor that defined their childhoods. 

“We are proud of where we come from,” said Ricardo. “Coyoacan is full of life. We wanted our restaurant to feel like that too. A place where the food is real, the recipes are from home, and the people feel connected.” 

Bringing Authentic Mexican Flavors to Southeast Portland

Before they became entrepreneurs, Ricardo worked in the hotel industry and Leticia worked in finance. Neither had owned a restaurant before, but both had a deep appreciation for service and quality. They moved to Portland after visiting family and falling in love with the city’s welcoming energy and strong sense of community. 

“When we visited, we knew this was a good place to raise our kids and grow something meaningful,” Leticia shared. “We felt at home here.” 

In December 2023, they opened Plaza Coyoacan with 12 employees and a clear vision. From the beginning, they focused on authentic preparation, traditional flavors, and creating opportunities for others. As the restaurant gained momentum, they quickly realized they needed financial support to grow and stabilize their operations. 

That is when they turned to Unitus.  

How Unitus Helped Plaza Coyoacan Grow Their Business

“A family member who works at Unitus recommended we reach out,” Ricardo said. “We were so impressed. The process was easier than we expected. Everyone treated us with kindness and respect. They listened. They believed in us.” 

Through Unitus, Ricardo and Leticia received working capital in less than 30 days. The funding allowed them to invest in equipment, make improvements, and ensure their staff had what they needed to succeed. 

“Unitus made us feel safe and supported,” Leticia said. “It gave us the foundation to keep going. That kind of trust means everything.” 

This experience is exactly what Unitus hopes to replicate as part of its five million dollar commitment to small business lending through 2027. By providing accessible financial tools and personalized support, Unitus is helping local entrepreneurs thrive and helping neighborhoods flourish in the process. 

For Ricardo and Leticia, the impact extends far beyond their kitchen. 

Building More Than a Restaurant — A Space for Connection

“Our mission is to take control of our future together,” said Ricardo. “That includes everyone on our team. Oscar, Eduardo, Lorenzo, all of us. We grow together. That is what community is about.” 

Their customers are not just patrons. They are friends, families, and neighbors. People celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones at Plaza Coyoacan. Some even bring real estate tips, hoping to see a second location open closer to their homes. 

“People ask us all the time, when are you coming to the west side?” Ricardo laughed. “We tell them, soon. With a little more time and support, we will be ready.” 

What’s Next for Plaza Coyoacan? Growth Rooted in Community

As they continue to grow, Ricardo and Leticia remain focused on their mission. They are not just running a restaurant. They are building something lasting, something rooted in culture, care, and community. 

“We work every day to do things better,” said Leticia. “And we are grateful for everyone who believes in us.” 

At Unitus, we believe in their story, too.