New Puerto Rican restaurant one of many businesses filling vacant storefronts in Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Many small businesses in Hagerstown took a hit from Covid, especially dining establishments — but some said that economic incentives from the city are helping things improve.

Jeovanni Diaz is part of Hagerstown’s growing Puerto Rican community. His entrepreneurial touch is helping revive a downtown that has struggled to emerge from the pandemic.

“We are in love with this city,” said Diaz. “We like the entire community. The general market is for us is very important.”

With financial help from the city, Diaz is opening a gourmet Puerto Rican eatery just off Public Square.

“They did an amazing job transforming this property from previously vacant to this upscale dining atmosphere with a sophisticated environment,” said Emily Conrad with the city’s Office of Community and Economic Development.

Diaz’s wife, Yahaira, insists the venture she and her husband bring to Hagerstown raises the culinary bar here.

“The experience in the restaurant is going to be different,” said Yahaira. “They are going to feel like [they] are in an authentic Puerto Rican restaurant.”

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