Our Story

Luis Cintron had been saved from a life of crime on the streets of Reading, PA. After moving away and starting a family, Luis and his wife Esther felt called by God to revisit living in Reading. It’s there, in the neighborhood surrounding Cotton Street where God provided a home for them.

Cotton Street spans the length of Southside, Reading with many bars historically down the street. One of which was called “The Cotton Gin.”  After 30 years, this bar closed down and became an after-hours club. The neighborhood worked together to petition the club and ultimately had it shut down. At this moment Luis prayed, "God, if you would give me this building, we will use it for your kingdom!” God did just that. In 2024, a vision meeting was held to form a board to seek how God could use the space. This mission drew people who love Jesus and desire to offer their talents for His kingdom.

The name “Buen Café”, meaning “Good Coffee” in Spanish, originates from the Biblical theme of God creating all things good (Genesis 1). God is doing good things in Reading and will continue to do good here through His people.  We are anticipating our good creator and savior to do beyond what we can envision.   

Buen Café is a coffee shop and meeting place where people who love Jesus and his church can work to bring the Gospel to the surrounding neighborhoods. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit we hope to offer life skills in areas of personal finance & budgeting, marriage, parenting, and however else God may choose to use His space. We are joyfully eager to see how this ministry will flourish and the eternal impact it will have as God brings people to join His mission.

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” PSALM 37:3