Meet Samuel Andres Cedillo Reyes | Queer, Latine Owner of Samuelito’s Bebidas

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samuel Andres Cedillo Reyes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samuel Andres, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had realized that I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with people through food. I had always envisioned having my own business in which I could connect with the community. The culinary field has always been one of my passions, so I though that it would be a good idea to share my knowledge and happiness with others through food and beverages. I chose to focus on a plant based menu in order for people to have a better understanding about certain foods and cultures. I feel that this specific type of menu can also show the community that we can still enjoy our food without the extra worry about any dietary needs feeling so restrictive.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets Samuelito’s Bebidas apart from other businesses is that its focal point is to sustain accessibility to fun, nutritious food and beverages to the community specifically those in the community that do not have easy access to healthy options due to economic status, cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc. There are people that live in areas that do not have sustainable and affordable options – we want to provide a service that truly helps those in need while also taking care of the environment.

Something that I am most proud of is that my identities help me give a new representation within the community as someone that sustains a food service business. People appreciate that I am open about being Latine, Queer, Transmasculine, Autistic, and Chronically Ill. There are a lot of businesses that do not allow people to show up as the true authentic version of themselves. We try to sustain an open and safe space for people.

Business-wise, we’ve come so far as a business due to people trying to find community. One of the most difficult challenges has been navigating things that are out of my control such as trying to sustain a business during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. We still followed the mandatory protocols while taking care of the community – we did not let that discourage us from finding solutions to help those in need.

One thing that I have learned is that it is okay to need help and to ask for help. There are a lot people that are willing to help because they truly care about us. Another thing that I have learned is that there people just like me out there in the world that are waiting to thrive together.

I want the world to remember that anything is possible when having community – in community, there is love, support, and care. We have to remember that it is important to acknowledge the true significance of intersectionality and how that can impact a business and the community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are many places that I would check out with a best friend, it’s a huge list! I love to follow around Vegan Playground which is an LA Weekly Vegan Night Market. They usually have events on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at Breweries and Local Small Business Store Front locations such as Boomtown Brewery and Devi’s Donuts. This vegan night market has introduced me to many wonderful people, food, and businesses. I also love to support local businesses such as Earthy Corazon which is an intentional candle gift shop in East LA. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a nice place to check out, it’s one of my favorite childhood places. Whale watching is a great option for something new to do which can be accessed by locating Harbor Breeze Cruises and SoCal Whale Watching. The Queen Mary has fun tours and exhibits. There are a lot of food places that I really enjoy: The Original Pizza Presto, Malinalli Superfoods, Mr. Charlie’s, Kenshō, Dan Sung Sa, Café Mak, Guelaguetza Restaurant, BCD Tofu House, Mama Lu’s Dumpling House, Dirt Dog, The Grain Café, etc. Two fun hangout spots are Shatto 39 Lanes and Executive Suite. Museums are always an amazing option – e.g. California Science Center, The Huntington, Museum of Latin American Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I highly recommend seeing the LA Phil and the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a huge shoutout to all of the people that have done nothing but lift me up, held me in their hearts with love, and have encouraged me to follow my passions – loved ones, friends, the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.

Instagram: @samuelitosbebidas