Cocina Amore Café: Bringing Puerto Rico's Heart to Myrtle Beach!
Cocina Amore Café: A Dream Born from Struggle, Fueled by Love, and Shared Through Puerto Rican Flavors.

Project Description
1. Vision
Cocina Amore Café is a fast-casual Puerto Rican restaurant set to open in Spring 2025 in Myrtle Beach’s vibrant Arts and Innovation District. Blending traditional Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist, we focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Our mission is to provide a culinary experience that celebrates culture, flavor, and community.
2. Problem
- Lack of Diversity in Local Dining Options: Myrtle Beach is rich in tourists but lacks authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
- Cultural Representation: Limited venues celebrate Puerto Rican heritage, food, and music.
- Sustainability Gap: Few restaurants prioritize environmentally conscious practices.
3. Solution
Cocina Amore Café offers:
- Authentic Puerto Rican dishes prepared with sustainable practices.
- A welcoming space for cultural events, celebrations, and community connection.
- Catering services for small events and special occasions.
4. Market Opportunity
- Tourism: Myrtle Beach attracts over 20 million visitors annually.
- Local Residents: Growing demand for diverse, quality dining experiences.
- Event Catering: Expanding need for unique and flavorful catering options.
- City-Sponsored Events: Myrtle Beach hosts popular events like the sold-out Carolina Music Festival (CMF) in the summer, driving additional foot traffic and community engagement. The city is also investing $34 million in the Arts and Innovation District, including new streetscapes and an events plaza, alongside a $22 million performing arts theater in collaboration with Coastal Carolina University, further enhancing the area’s appeal for both residents and tourists.
5. Menu Highlights
- Mofongo Balls with KM Sauce – A bite-sized twist on a Puerto Rican classic.
- Mallorca Pressed Sandwich – Ham, cheddar cheese, and a hard-fried egg on artisan Mallorca bread.
- Arroz con Gandules – Traditional rice and pigeon peas with a modern flair.
- Artisan Breads and Pastries – Freshly baked Puerto Rican treats.
6. Competitive Advantage
- Authenticity: Guided by Mario Mercado, a seasoned restaurateur in Puerto Rico.
- Location: Situated in Myrtle Beach’s Arts and Innovation District, ensuring foot traffic.
- Sustainability: Commitment to locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly practices.
- Cultural Connection: Hosting dance, music, and cultural events to attract and retain customers.
7. Revenue Streams
- In-Restaurant Dining: Authentic dishes for a dine-in experience.
- Catering Services: Targeting local events, celebrations, and corporate gatherings.
- Artisan Products: Retailing Puerto Rican pastries and breads.
- Cultural Events: Hosting ticketed events for additional revenue.
9. Team
- Hilda Sunagel-Castro: Co-Founder and Head Chef, inspired by her Puerto Rican roots and extensive culinary experience.
- Gerald Sunagel: Co-Founder and Business Strategist, bringing years of entrepreneurial expertise and operational acumen.
- Mario Mercado: Advisor, with over a decade of restaurant management expertise in Puerto Rico.
10. Social Impact
- Community Engagement: Hosting cultural events and supporting local artists.
- Disaster Relief: Allocating crowdfunding resources to aid hurricane relief in Puerto Rico.
- Sustainability Commitment: Reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly dining.
11. Call to Action
Join us in bringing the vibrant flavors and culture of Puerto Rico to Myrtle Beach. We invite you to invest in Cocina Amore Café and be a part of this flavorful journey. Together, we can create a community hub that celebrates diversity, tradition, and sustainability.
Thank you for believing in us, for sharing our dream, and for helping us create something truly special. Together, we’ll make Cocina Amore Café a place where love and flavor thrive.
From our hearts to yours,
Gerald & Hilda Sunagel-Castro
Cocina Amore Café
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
FAQ for Cocina Amore Café Crowdfunding Campaign
What is Cocina Amore Café?
Cocina Amore Café is a fast-casual restaurant opening in Myrtle Beach's new Arts and Innovation District. We’ll bring authentic Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist, along with traditional artisan breads and pastries. Our café will also host cultural events, including music and dance, creating a vibrant space for the community.
Why are you running this campaign?
We’re running this crowdfunding campaign to raise the funds needed to open Cocina Amore Café. This includes securing and retrofitting our location (the former Myrtle Beach Bakery), purchasing equipment, scaling recipes, and creating a welcoming space for our guests. Your support helps us bring Puerto Rican flavors and culture to Myrtle Beach!
What will the funds be used for?
The funds raised will help us:
- Purchase and retrofit our location.
- Add equipment for traditional bread and pastry production.
- Scale our recipes for commercial use.
- Design and furnish the café to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Launch marketing efforts to spread the word about our opening.
What makes Cocina Amore Café unique?
Our café is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. From Mofongo to Coquito Flan Cheesecake, we bring authentic flavors to every dish. We’ll also produce artisan breads and pastries, host cultural events, and create a space that celebrates food, music, and community.
Who is behind Cocina Amore Café?
Cocina Amore Café is led by Gerald Sunagel and Hilda Sunagel-Castro. Hilda is the culinary heart of the café, bringing her passion for Puerto Rican cooking and cultural traditions. Gerald, a Navy veteran and entrepreneur, manages the business operations. Our advisor, Mario Mercado, brings over a decade of restaurant expertise and ensures the authenticity of our ingredients and menu.
What rewards can I expect as a backer?
Depending on your level of support, rewards include personalized thank-yous, exclusive recipes, pre-opening tasting invitations, private cooking classes with Hilda, catering services, and even naming rights for a menu item! Check out our campaign page for the full list of rewards.
When will the café open?
We’re planning to open Cocina Amore Café in Spring 2025. Leading up to our opening, we’ll offer catering services and host special tasting events to give you a sneak peek of what’s to come!
How can I follow your progress?
We’ll share updates regularly on our crowdfunding page and social media channels. Backers will receive exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including construction updates, recipe testing, and event announcements.
Why should I support this campaign?
By supporting this campaign, you’re not just helping us open a café—you’re investing in a dream to share Puerto Rican culture, create a vibrant community space, and bring people together through food, music, and celebration. Your contribution makes you part of our story and our journey.
How else can I help if I can’t contribute financially?
We appreciate any support you can offer! Help us spread the word by sharing our campaign with friends, family, and on social media. Your voice can help us reach more people and bring Cocina Amore Café to life.
What happens if the campaign exceeds its goal?
If we exceed our goal, we’ll use the additional funds to expand our offerings and improve the café experience. Additionally, we plan to set aside a portion of the funds for disaster relief efforts, ensuring we can give back to the community in times of need and foster resilience.
Just Because I Care
- Personalized thank-you email from Gerald and Hilda.
- Social media shoutout with your name featured as a supporter on our café’s page.
- Exclusive access to campaign updates and behind-the-scenes content of the café’s progress.
- All Tier 1 rewards.
- A digital recipe booklet featuring Hilda’s favorite Puerto Rican dishes to try at home.
- A handwritten postcard from Gerald and Hilda thanking you for your support.
- All Tier 2 rewards.
- Your name on the Founders’ Wall in the café, displayed proudly as a supporter.
- A voucher for one free meal at Cocina Amore Café once it opens.
- All Tier 3 rewards.
- Invitation to an exclusive pre-opening tasting event at the café.
- A limited-edition Cocina Amore Café tote bag.
- All Tier 4 rewards.
- A personalized thank-you video from Gerald and Hilda.
- A private bread and pastry tasting box featuring traditional Puerto Rican baked goods delivered to your door (local or regional backers only).
- All Tier 5 rewards.
- An invitation to a private cooking class with Hilda at the café or virtually.
- A custom apron with the Cocina Amore Café logo.
- All Tier 6 rewards.
- Private catering for a small event (up to 10 guests) featuring signature dishes from Cocina Amore Café.
- Reserved seating for you and a guest at the café’s first cultural celebration event.
- All Tier 7 rewards.
- Lifetime “VIP Backer Card” for 10% off every visit to Cocina Amore Café.
- Recognition as a Founders' Circle Member in marketing materials and on a special plaque in the café.
- A private dinner with Gerald and Hilda to celebrate your support and discuss the café’s journey.
All Tier 8 rewards.
Naming rights for one of the café’s signature dishes or a menu item.
A VIP table named in your honor for the café’s grand opening event.
A custom mural in the café featuring your name as a patron of the arts and culture.
Rewards
Just Because I Care
- Personalized thank-you email from Gerald and Hilda.
- Social media shoutout with your name featured as a supporter on our café’s page.
- Exclusive access to campaign updates and behind-the-scenes content of the café’s progress.
- All Tier 1 rewards.
- A digital recipe booklet featuring Hilda’s favorite Puerto Rican dishes to try at home.
- A handwritten postcard from Gerald and Hilda thanking you for your support.
- All Tier 2 rewards.
- Your name on the Founders’ Wall in the café, displayed proudly as a supporter.
- A voucher for one free meal at Cocina Amore Café once it opens.
- All Tier 3 rewards.
- Invitation to an exclusive pre-opening tasting event at the café.
- A limited-edition Cocina Amore Café tote bag.
- All Tier 4 rewards.
- A personalized thank-you video from Gerald and Hilda.
- A private bread and pastry tasting box featuring traditional Puerto Rican baked goods delivered to your door (local or regional backers only).
- All Tier 5 rewards.
- An invitation to a private cooking class with Hilda at the café or virtually.
- A custom apron with the Cocina Amore Café logo.
- All Tier 6 rewards.
- Private catering for a small event (up to 10 guests) featuring signature dishes from Cocina Amore Café.
- Reserved seating for you and a guest at the café’s first cultural celebration event.
- All Tier 7 rewards.
- Lifetime “VIP Backer Card” for 10% off every visit to Cocina Amore Café.
- Recognition as a Founders' Circle Member in marketing materials and on a special plaque in the café.
- A private dinner with Gerald and Hilda to celebrate your support and discuss the café’s journey.
All Tier 8 rewards.
Naming rights for one of the café’s signature dishes or a menu item.
A VIP table named in your honor for the café’s grand opening event.
A custom mural in the café featuring your name as a patron of the arts and culture.