Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2025 CHOCOLAFFEE | FROM Page 1 cellence. The event took place in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House on September 25, 2025, where Rep. Giannino and Rep. Turco delivered citations to Angelica and Diana in recognition of their achievement. Born in Colombia and raised in East Boston after immigrating to the United States in 1993, the sisters graduated from East Boston High School in 1998 and went on to build a business rooted in their family traditions. What began as homemade gifts of chocolate-covered Colombian coffee beans and roasted peanuts with sesame seeds, known as ManiNuts, soon grew into a small business with big aspirations. Despite an early setback when a partnership in their fi rst coff ee shop collapsed, Angelica and Diana refused to give up. They regrouped, leaned on their work ethic and determination, and built Chocolaff ee into a recognizable brand carried in dozens of local stores. Operating first from their home in Revere and rented kitchens around Boston, the Cardona sisters pushed through long nights and fi nancial uncertainty to keep their dream alive. Their perseverance has paid off : this year they are opening a new production facility and storefront in Revere, allowing them to double their output and meet growing demand. Both visionaries and role models, they have shown how Latino entrepreneurs can overcome challenges, celebrate culture, and build opportunity for their communities. “We are truly grateful for this Pictured from left to right, Rep. Jeff rey Turco, Diana Cardona, Diana and Angelica’s mother, Angelica Cardona, and Rep. Jessica Giannino. Mid-grade Regular 2.87 3.37 3.44 $3.57 Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 ULS Full Service $2.99 Order online at angelosoil.com recognition of Latino excellence and community work. As twins, we’ve shared this journey together, but it is our community that has given us the strength to serve. Thank you to the State Representative Jessica Giannino, State Representative Jeff Turco and to the City of Revere for honoring us — this award belongs to all who believe in building a brighter future with us,” said Diana and Angelica Cardona. CITY COUNCIL | FROM Page 1 desist order and a fi ne should curtail those rooming house businesses. Argenzio also suggested that the Inspectional and “Angelica and Diana exemplify the strength of women with an unmatched dedication to their business; we are fortunate to have them in Revere,” said Rep. Giannino (D-Revere). “I take pride in recognizing Angelica and Diana at this year’s event for the remarkable efforts they are making in expanding their business, Chocolaff ee, and the inspiring example they are setting for others in our community.” Building Departments should operate under 40U regulations, which allow more leeway with inspections and penalties. But councillors, who field complaints from constituents, “It was indeed an honor to stand with Rep. Giannino in recognizing Angelica and Diana Cardona for the 2025 Latino Excellence Awards. They are the embodiment of the American Dream. Driven by Faith, Family and hard work, Angelica and Diana are an inspiration to our community not to mention the provisioners of the best Café mocha in the Shirley Avenue area,” said Rep. Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop). were not optimistic. “I wouldn’t want your job,” Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto told Wells, Cavagnaro and Argenzio. “It’s an impossible task.” Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya said she has been struggling with rooming houses in her ward. “A letter goes out and announces an inspection, and the night before they are pulling all the mattresses out of the house,” said Guarino-Sawaya. “People don’t know who to complain to,” she added. Wells said complaints usually go through 311. But he added that city offi cials visit properties during the day when no one is home. They are not allowed to ask for any documentation that residents are from the same family. All they can do is count the beds and rooms and write that up. The council agreed to send the issue to the Legislative Affairs Subcommittee to discuss a possible city ordinance regarding rooming house enforcement and other issues surrounding illegal rooming houses. FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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