By Celian de Jesús
Journalism Student
In Barrio Obrero, where life unfolds among narrow streets, local businesses, and the constant sound of airplanes overhead, Benny de los Santos has built much more than a source of income — she has created a space for community connection. A resident of the neighborhood for more than 20 years and the owner of a food cart specializing in hot dogs and hamburgers for nearly a decade, Benny has become an essential part of the area’s daily landscape. Located on a busy corner, her cart serves as a landmark for neighbors and visitors alike — a place always filled with movement, conversation, and the smell of freshly made food.
Benny welcomes every customer with warmth and kindness, qualities she considers essential to her work. That approach is more than simple courtesy; it is part of who she is. During the interview, she naturally extended hospitality beyond what was expected, offering food as casually as she chatted with customers — a reflection of the generosity that defines her. It is not uncommon for someone to arrive for the first time and immediately feel at home.
“Attitude is really important. If you’re in a bad mood, people can feel it,” she says while attending to customers. Her space goes beyond business; it is a place where people talk, seek advice, and build relationships that transcend a simple transaction. “There’s counseling here too,” she jokes, hinting that her cart also serves as a source of emotional support for many.
Her journey as an entrepreneur began after Hurricane María, at a time when she was dealing with back problems and the need to reinvent herself. Drawing from years of experience in the kitchen, she decided to start her own business.
“This wasn’t something someone told me to do — I came up with it myself,” she says proudly.
She started with a small cart and, through hard work, eventually built the business she runs today. For Benny, progress requires initiative, discipline, and daily commitment. Her workdays begin early in the morning as she prepares ingredients and organizes everything needed to provide quality service. That daily sacrifice is what keeps her business going.
Beyond her role as a business owner, Benny stands out for her commitment to the community. She attends neighborhood meetings, speaks up about local issues, and participates in initiatives aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. “If I can help with something, I do it,” she says. That willingness to contribute has made her a respected figure in the neighborhood. Her cart has also become a gathering place where community concerns are discussed and neighborhood ties are strengthened.
Her connection to Barrio Obrero is also deeply tied to her experience as a mother. She raised her two children there, both of whom are now professionals. For Benny, that personal achievement reflects the opportunities the community can offer despite its challenges. “My children grew up here when things were much harder, and they still moved forward,” she says proudly. Her family story serves as inspiration for other residents striving to succeed without leaving behind their roots.
When describing the neighborhood, Benny directly challenges the stigmas often associated with Barrio Obrero. She insists it is a peaceful community where coexistence and a sense of belonging prevail. “We live peacefully here. If you stay out of trouble, nothing happens to you,” she says. She recalls that during difficult moments such as Hurricane Maria and the pandemic, solidarity became essential. “There was more help and more food than ever before,” she remembers. For her, those moments revealed the true spirit of the neighborhood.
Over time, Benny has witnessed positive changes, including greater awareness about waste management and the development of community projects. These improvements reinforce her vision of a more organized and sustainable future for Barrio Obrero. Even so, she acknowledges that there is always room for growth and that residents’ commitment remains essential.
Although she recognizes that the work is not easy, Benny believes the effort is worth it. Her message to young people is simple: avoid excuses and commit to hard work. “Anyone who wants to grow can grow anywhere,” she says confidently. She also emphasizes the importance of discipline and attitude as keys to any personal endeavor.
From her hot dog and hamburger cart, Benny de los Santos does more than feed people looking for a meal — she nourishes the network of human relationships that sustain community life. Her story demonstrates that entrepreneurship, when combined with social commitment, can become a genuine form of leadership.
Editor’s Note
This journalistic profile emerged from service-learning experiences developed in the course PER 223: Narrative Journalism, taught by Professor Mariliana Torres Pagán in collaboration with Sagrado’s Community Engagement Program, the Barrio Obrero Oeste se Reinventa Foundation, and the Martín Peña Channel ENLACE Project.