Millions of people across the U.S. rely on bodegas and corner stores every day, but many operate with outdated equipment and limited access to healthier options. This isn’t because owners don’t care. It’s because small, family-run stores often don’t have access to the same resources, financing, or brand partnerships as larger retailers.
Brands that invest in modern refrigeration, healthier inventory, better store layouts, and community-focused activations aren’t just supporting a store; they’re expanding access, building trust, and creating new everyday usage moments.
The future of neighborhood retail isn’t just digital. It’s local.
Let’s connect @itisijudyreyes1@marcuscooks@fatjoe #cornerstore #bodegas #communitydriven #brandsneedtosupport @rosieperezbrooklyn@iamcardib@fchwpo@tainy@bronxtimes@bambambaklava funnyaida @westvilledeli@sherylunderwood@diosmiocoffee@pepsi@unitedbodegasofficial@chobani
What happens if corner stores disappear?
Most people think we just lose a place to grab milk or coffee.
But communities actually lose: - walkable access to essentials - trusted neighborhood gathering spaces - support during storms and emergencies
- family-owned economic anchors
Brands lose: $ 160 million daily convenience-store transactions $ their fastest product discovery environment $ direct access to multicultural consumers
That’s why I created Bodega Makeover, a series focused on helping family-owned corner stores modernize while preserving the cultural heart of their neighborhoods.
If brands, cities, and community partners want to support small businesses in a real, visible way, this is the moment to lean in.
Because behind every counter is a story worth sustaining @nems_fyl@rosieperezbrooklyn@ivyqueendiva@bodegatalks@bodega_comedy@bodegastories@bodegasmallbusiness@itisijudyreyes1@c.syresmith@just@goodefoodsfamily@tainy@sherylunderwood
The storefronts we cheer for, dance around, and call cultural landmarks are also fighting to survive. Rising costs, thin margins, and limited access to capital are putting many neighborhood corner stores at risk - even as they remain essential to daily life.
Bodega Makeover exists at that intersection:
honoring culture and helping sustain it.
This project is about visibility, investment, and long-term impact, and bringing brands, community leaders, and storytellers together to help keep these neighborhood anchors alive.
Small Hispanic businesses are being told: “Adapt to AI or disappear.”
But technology alone won’t save corner stores.
Access, visibility, and community investment matter too.
Bodega Makeover exists to help bodegas evolve without losing what makes them essential. @rosieperezbrooklyn@sza@iamcardib@fatjoe
Happy Holidays!
We didn’t land a home for Bodega Makeover this year — the market is tough, and community stories take time.
But we’re not giving up.
Corner stores still matter. Neighborhoods still matter. These stories still matter.
Support your local bodega this season. Our communities are worth it.
This image isn’t a contradiction. It’s the proof.
When healthy options aren’t available, convenience wins — every time.
Bodega Makeover focuses on access, equity, and real-world consumer behavior — not guilt, not trends. @newyorknico@bobsredmill@iamcardib@diasporagroceries@thefoodbabe
Community organizations play a vital role in building bridges between residents and corner store owners because real change starts with relationships.
Partnerships like these help create trust, access, and opportunities that strengthen the heart of our neighborhoods.
A special thank you to Leslie Stafford and the team at Madison Park Development Corporation for your support and for believing in the vision of Bodega Makeover.
******These clips come from our proof of concept pilot, a glimpse into what happens when communities, brands, and local leaders come together to create lasting change.********* @elviscrespolive@tiffanyhaddish@itisijudyreyes1@davidortiz@healthyneighborhoodsnow@goodefoodsfamily@chosenfoods@bobsredmill@c.syresmith@just@sherylunderwood
Big thanks to @bostonartsacademy for stepping up and leading with heart. ❤️
When support systems get cut, communities rise — and that’s exactly what BAA did. By creating the BAA Bodega, they’ve taken on the role of a corner store owner: caring for their community, ensuring access, and proving what happens when we look out for one another.
This is the spirit behind Bodega Makeover — uplifting those who keep our neighborhoods and students fed, seen, and supported.
Proud to see Boston leading by example. 🙌🏽
#BodegaMakeover #CommunityDriven #SupportLocal #FoodSecurity #ThisNeedsToBeOnTV #BrandsNeedToSupport @elviscrespolive@itisijudyreyes1@tiffanyhaddish@iamcardib@malikyoba@thekidmero@thechrisgarces@kelis
Happy Halloween from all of us at Bodega Makeover! 🎃✨ This season, skip the big-box candy run and grab your treats from the real MVPs — your local corner store.
Every purchase supports small businesses, local jobs, and the people who keep your block running (and your candy bowl full!). 🍭🏪
#BodegaMakeover #SupportLocal #CornerStoreLove #BodegaCat @tiffanyhaddish@itisijudyreyes1@elviscrespolive@karltowns
From Quick Stop into a Go-To Spot.
It’s more than new shelves and fresh paint — it’s about turning the neighborhood’s “quick stop” into everyone’s go-to spot.
Each Bodega Makeover gives corner stores the tools, design, and visibility they deserve — because these small businesses are big parts of our communities.
****What you’re seeing here is our proof of concept pilot — a glimpse of what’s possible when brands, designers, and communities come together to reimagine the corner store.
🎬 Watch the sizzle reel: /841544142
#BodegaMakeover #CommunityDriven #SupportLocal #BrandPartnerships #ProofOfConcept #ThisNeedsToBeOnTV @elviscrespolive@healthyneighborhoodsnow@sashamerci@tiffanyhaddish@itisijudyreyes1@elmodifoca@thechrisgarces@janthonyoliveras@fatjoe@rachellemendeztv
