Celebrating the SPACE Grant: A Moment of Gratitude and Community

Together, we celebrated Lisboa Cafe and Market Space Grant Award with the City of Boston—a recognition that reaffirms the power of culture and community.

Raquel Semedo owner and founder of Lisboa Cafe, Emily Patrick and Alia Forrest from the City of Boston and Evelyn Sanchez another space grant awardee.

With Mayor Michell Wu, City of Boston

Filled with gratitute

As I move forward with the SPACE Grant, I am filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. This grant will allow me to continue using my culture as a medium for connection, transformation, and empowerment. Stay tuned as we embark on new projects that not only beautify our city but also honor the stories and voices that make it vibrant

Lisboa Café & Mini-Market is opening soon at 1078 Dorchester Avenue. And when you walk through those doors, I hope you feel what I’ve felt throughout this journey: joy, culture, community, and love. This café is more than a business—it’s a piece of my story, a reflection of my heritage, and my way of giving back to the city that welcomed me.

This isn’t just a restaurant. It’s home.

Winning the SPACE Grant is more than just a financial boost—it’s a validation of the countless hours poured into bringing my vision to life.

With Portuguese Consul,Tiago Araújo

Thank you to the City of Boston, Greater Ashmont Main Street, Portuguese Consul Tiago Araújo, and everyone who has believed in this vision. This isn’t just a win for me—it’s a win for all of us who believe in the power of culture to build bridges and create lasting impact. We did it!

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Behind the Counter: A Dream Café Built by Community