Eating Good in York City Neighborhoods
Surrounded by good food, friends and neighbors, York’s community connects over meals, fellowship, cultural diversity and social entrepreneurship.
At Cornbread West (590 W. King St.), owner April Collier provides free breakfast to York City youth served with positive words of encouragement. Aurora’s Bakery (133 N. Duke St.) owner Anselmo Arrieta and his staff create classic dishes and traditional baked goods that celebrate the cuisine and culture of Latin America. Mi Caldero (605 S. George St.) owner and operator Oziel Bones brings a growing and vibrant sector of York’s community together over homestyle Puerto Rican cooking.
“Our mission is to create safe spaces, form true communities and build a strong network for and around our youth,” April Collier says. “York is a great place to start a business like Cornbread West because these ‘hubs” allow us to connect with kids and foster tight family circles.”
“York is an up-and-coming community with plenty of opportunities,” adds Oziel Bones, “which makes it a good place for businesses to meet people’s needs that are not being met.”
“York is a cool city,” says Roost Uncommon Kitchen owner Jordan Pfautz. “I enjoy serving good food and bringing people together.”
Brando Diaz and Anisa Diaczun — co-owners of Paco’s Tacos that recently operated in the former Taste Test Restaurant Incubator in Royal Square — say their experience with Paco’s Tacos helped them grow their following and refine their restaurant concept. “We want to bring York our full vision [for the restaurant], and we’re taking time now to explore what that will be,” Diaz says. In the meantime, Paco’s fans can look for their Vampire Taco food truck this summer and enjoy late-night tacos with Roost Uncommon Kitchen.
Anselmo Arrieta, a native of Mexico, brings extensive culinary experience to Aurora’s, experience he gained from working in restaurants in York and northern Maryland. “York gives me the place to share my culture with the community,” he says.
York College’s Center for Community Engagement is committed to supporting the growth of the places that are becoming anchors in neighborhoods all over York and as multicultural experiences for its students and faculty.
YRK PERSPECTIVES:
How is York College making a big impact with small businesses?
“York College is committed to promoting the growth of small, locally owned businesses by offering workshops such as the 3Day StartUp that can help support the expansion of York’s renaissance around our city’s neighborhoods and by encouraging all — including our students — to experience the culture of our diverse city.”
— Dr. Dominic DelliCarpini, Dean of the Center for Community Engagement, York College
- 441 Country Club Rd. York, PA 17403
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