Latina on a mission to save bodegas

Bodega Makeover brings stories of vibrant characters, communities, and intersecting cultures to the well-loved makeover format. We’re traveling from city to city to help families reimagine their bodegas, corner shops, and groceries to re-energize their neighborhoods through uplifting transformations.

Producer and writer Evelyn Brito is passionate about storytelling Brito was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Dominican parents and grew up in Boston. Eleven years ago, she started her own production company, Keep It Simple Productions, and immediately began working on the pilot for Bodega Makeover.

Brito has fond childhood memories of traveling to Brooklyn, NY with her father when she was younger. She remembers that bodegas also served fresh food and were places where neighbors would gather, which feels like it is becoming less common.

BosBodega Intro from Evelyn on Vimeo.

“About nine years ago, I moved into a new community around Boston and remember my daughter, then four years old, hungry and crying. She likes vegetables, and I went into three bodegas but couldn’t find any fresh products. I thought, ‘Someone should do something; give them a makeover.’” And while on a bus ride looking for red peppers, she had an idea.

“Our bodega lacks the resources needed to provide healthier alternatives.”

“Understanding the positive impact that anchor businesses like Bodegas have on neighborhoods, as well as the economic challenges these corner store owners have in competing with large grocery chains, I decided to do something about it!”

Where will this series go from here? She has high hopes that networks will open up to the possibility of a bilingual show, comparable to the recently premiered show on CBS, Loteria Loca. She is confident that her show will be well-received and has the potential to reach a wide audience.

For more information, please contact Evelyn Brito at ev****@my**************.comm