Help South Philly Barbacoa Move Into a Larger New Space
Owner Cristina Martinez is raising funds to expand her hugely popular restaurant.
El Compadre/Facebook
South Philly Barbacoa is looking to expand.
In a Facebook post, the renowned taco and torta spot — which is always packed on weekends and for special events — announced that it’s looking to move into a larger space to better accommodate its staff and customers.
Owner Cristina Martinez and her husband Ben Miller have had a tumultuous year personally and professionally. After the sudden passing early last year of Cristina’s son Isaìas Berriozabal-Martinez, who opened El Compadre in 2015, they moved South Philly Barbacoa from its original location at 11th and Morris to the El Compadre storefront at 1149 South 9th Street.
“My husband and I chose to close our other business and move to THIS location in my Son’s honor,” Cristina explained on her fundraising page. “It has been a tremendous financial strain to move and combine two businesses. A loan [to relocate to a larger space] would help us sustain this business with additional customer draw and have a presence with outdoor seating.”
Martinez is looking to raise $10,000 through Kiva, which helps provide zero-interest crowdfunded loans to small businesses and individuals all over the world. Lenders contribute to a campaign and are gradually paid back by the borrower as their business grows. Loans to Martinez would be paid back within 36 months.
“We already have a space secured and are working hard on making this transition by summertime,” according to the Facebook post.
Right now, Martinez has to get 20 people in the next 15 days to lend at least $25, at which point she’ll move onto the next phase of the loan process. Contribute to South Philly Barbacoa’s next step here.
