The owner of a Soundview restaurant says they are struggling to keep the business open.
Maribel, who owns A Taste of France, says her mother, Virginia, took over the restaurant three decades ago.
Local community members call Virginia, "Mama," because her food makes them feel at home.
Maribel says her mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and in the past few months, has had to close the restaurant a few days a week to take care of her.
This has caused customers to think they were closed for good, but they are now back open six days a week.
Gonzalez told News 12 even with her mother’s diagnosis, her mother continues to oversee the authentic dishes at the restaurant every day.
She is making sure they keep the same traditional Puerto Rican feel that they started with 30 years ago.
The restaurant serves a taste of Puerto Rican dishes like flan, carne frita con mofongo and plátanos.
It also gives back to the community that serves them by hosting free comedy, open mic and LGBTQ+ events.
