Lancaster native Melissa Hernandez now owns two thriving businesses in the city’s southeast

As a long-time Lancaster resident, Melissa Hernandez is proud to be the owner behind two thriving businesses—El Jibarito and BoriMex Mini Mart—in the same city where she grew up. 

“This is my city—I grew up on South Plum Street so a lot of people remember me,” Melissa said. “And now I have very loyal customers. They love the block, and they love the food.” 

El Jibarito is a cuchifrito, which is a Latin fried food restaurant. A colorful fixture on the corner of Dauphin and Lime streets, the restaurant serves empanadas, pinchos, potato balls, rice and beans, plátano maduros, and other Puerto Rican dishes. For first-time visitors, Melissa says the beef and cheese empanada is a must-try. 

Melissa’s family, especially her children, are her biggest cheerleaders. They are the ones who keep her in pursuit of her dreams, despite the challenges of entrepreneurship. Especially inspired by her late father, Melissa learned the value of building strong ties to the place you live from his legacy. 

“My father was the head of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Lancaster. He was in charge of all the events, and I would always help him,” Melissa reflected. “He was also a policeman here with the city for many years, and everyone knew him.” 

Melissa has channeled that same spirit into her newest venture, BoriMex Mini Mart. This all-purpose bodega on South Lime Street stocks quick bites, including El Jibarito empanadas and a selection of grocery and household items. 

“Everybody comes in the morning and has the same routine,” Melissa said. “They get their cup of coffee, their milk and eggs, maybe an empanada.” 

When deciding what to stock at the store, she leans on customer input. 

“If they say, ‘I would like gouda cheese or turkey bacon or Lactaid milk—do you have that?’ I write it down, and then I get it in the next few days,” Melissa shared. “If you need something, I’ll have it stocked for you.” 

Place your empanada order at eljibaritolancaster.com or visit BoriMex Mini Mart to grab one fresh to-go. 

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