Dulceria La Playita – A Mexican Candy Store
We covered the story of Roberto and his young family last November, see below.
Today we alert you to exciting news…the Dulceria now has a soft ice-cream machine, offering vanilla, chocolate, or (drum roll, please…) BOTH!
Roberto tells us he loves when the children come running out of the church and head directly for an ice-cream cone. He is keeping the cost low to allow many to enjoy the treat – you can satisfy your own craving starting at just 10 pesos!
Editor’s Note: Below is the previously published article.
We know Roberto as a server at Ixta. He’s one of the best, and ensures each patron is well looked after. We’ve also come to enjoy visiting his candy store for sweet treats. It’s located on the street directly north of the church in Centro. With his big, friendly grin, Roberto told us a bit about himself.
Roberto Rendon was born in Hildago, MX, and was four years old when his family moved to California. In 2017, he decided to revisit his Mexican roots and arrived back in Hidalgo. “I went to my hometown. One of my friends said, ‘I heard you’re back, how’s it going?’ Roberto responded that things were good, he had a job and was making 700 pesos a week. ‘What!’ the friend cried, ‘with the English you speak you can make more.’
On that advice, Roberto flew to Puerto Vallarta from Hidalgo, looking for a better income. “As soon as I opened the doors at the airport…the heatwave…I was like, whoa! I’m still getting used to it.”
“I came here with one backpack and dreams. It was like a new beginning.”
“My friend had me sell some tequila. It was commission, no salary. I made 1200 pesos in one sale. One sale! He opened my eyes. I was like, whoa, OK, I want to do this when they open from 10 to 2. Then I walked toward Decameron ’cause I wanted to get a second job. DeCameron hired me as a receptionist. When I was walking back, Pierre (owner of Ixta) yelled out, “Hey, are you looking for a job? Can you serve? Do you speak English?” Roberto answered yes, to all of the above. Selling tequila in the mornings, and working at Ixta from 2:30pm to closing, Roberto says, “It was the perfect schedule. For six months, I saved (a significant amount of) pesos from both jobs.”
The first year he bought a brand new car. The second year he bought land, and the third year he bought the candy shop. “I had to sell the car because of the pandemic, it really kicked my butt. I had to make a decision, do I lose the land, or the candy shop, or the car?” The car had to go.
Roberto and his wife Kenia, whom he met here, bought the dulceria from a previous owner and took over the business in September 2019. During his prior life in California, Roberto took courses in marketing and business ownership, and worked as a dishwasher, busboy, or waiter. With his customer service experience and entrepreneurial drive, he and Kenia “Weighed the pros and cons. He (the previous owner) seemed to be doing OK, and already had a clientele.” At the time, the young couple were expecting a baby, and they figured the candy store would allow Kenia the opportunity to work while keeping the little one nearby. Their beautiful daughter was born in April and she spends some time at the store with mom or dad, or other family members who also work there. Roberto points to a puffy pink baby cradle near the cash and says, “And the boss sits right here.”
Visit the specialty candy store for Mexican candy, birthday candles and grab bags, pinatas, or Christmas handouts. In fact, get your pinata early…last year the dulceria sold out! Also find your party favours and accessories for throwing a colourful and decorative celebration, no matter the occasion.
Another candy store opened next to him. That might dampen one’s spirits, but Roberto says, “That’s OK. The sun comes out for everybody.”
