Did you know the Coquito beverage is a coconut cream flavored rum enjoyed around the holidays and is a staple of Puerto Rican culture? It’s a drink that Victor Regino, owner of Papi’s Refrescos, found meaning in as he reminisced about his home and the lively celebrations he had with his family.

At Papi’s Refrescos, you’ll get a taste of the Coquito through Victor’s treasured recipe, an heirloom passed down from his grandmother, Juana Sanchez. Victor recalled his grandmother’s dedication to bringing the entire family together and spending time with them. After the passing of his grandmother, Victor looked back on the times he had with his family and wanted to bring the same joy to others and so he began selling his family’s Coquito recipe with the hope of spreading that same joy and togetherness he felt growing up.

“My goal for every bottle of Papi’s Coquito is to convey the sentiment and cultural value that Coquito brings to me.”

After receiving a loan of $75,000 from the SBA, Victor was able to produce his Coquito on a mass scale and started selling it to Providence stores. The RISBDC was able to help him secure the loan by helping him develop a smart business plan, conducting industry and market research, adjusting cost structure, and creating financial projections.

“I worked with Manuel through the whole process. His expertise in liquor licensing helped me gain the understanding I needed.”

Papi Refrescos Coquito is currently sold at 14 stores across Providence and Cranston including Tropical Liquors, Standard Liquors, and I.M. Gam Discount Liquors.