El Cuartito Record Store: Creative Entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico
El Cuartito Record Store: Music, Community, and Cultural Entrepreneurship in Río Piedras
In the heart of Río Piedras’ urban center, within the collective space known as El Departamento, a place comes to life through vinyl, culture, and community. El Cuartito Record Store, founded by journalist and entrepreneur Kike Bartolomei alongside his partner Fianeli Arvelo Alvarado, is one of the many creative enterprises in Puerto Rico that are transforming everyday life into living culture.
From a Personal Collection to a Cultural Space
El Cuartito was born from a shared passion for music. What began as a private record collection between partners evolved into a creative showcase that promotes local artists, preserves the physical format, and nurtures community.
How did it all begin?
- The idea was born from a mutual love of vinyl and frequent visits to record shops.
- With encouragement from other entrepreneurs like Carlos Goyco (founder of Libros 787), Kike and Fianeli found a home for their project in El Departamento.
- They officially opened on May 10 in the Callejón del Carmen, Río Piedras.
What Makes El Cuartito Unique?
More than just a store, El Cuartito is a musical ecosystem. It offers a cultural experience that connects generations, preserves memories, and amplifies new voices within the landscape of creative entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico.
What you’ll find:
- 🎵 Records by local and international artists — from Buscabulla and Cultura Profética to Gorillaz and Linkin Park.
- 📅 Spontaneous cultural events featuring DJs, collectors, and live artists.
- 🎨 Collaborations with other creative spaces like Librería Laberinto and Salón Boricua.
- 🐾 A pet-friendly, inclusive environment open to all.
They’ve also collaborated with other cultural brands, including Salon Boricua, one of our creative clients focused on celebrating Boricua identity through design and art.
Entrepreneurship Fueled by Passion: A Message from Kike
In our interview, Kike spoke about the fears, sacrifices, and rewards that come with starting a business. His story is proof that creative entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico can flourish when built on authenticity, consistency, and community.
Kike’s advice for new entrepreneurs:
- 🌱 Start with what you love, even if you’re not an expert.
- 🚀 Take the first step without waiting for perfection.
- 🧠 Learn along the way and surround yourself with collaborators.
- ☀️ Remember: “The sun shines for everyone.”
🌟 Why Support El Cuartito?
- 🇵🇷 Celebrate Puerto Rican Creativity El Cuartito highlights bold, original expressions that honor our culture, humor, and identity.
- 💼 Empower Local Artists Every record, print, or tote you buy helps sustain independent Puerto Rican artists and the island’s creative economy.
- 🎓 Spark Cultural Dialogue The space invites reflection, learning, and conversations around music, memory, and social change.
- 🌍 Keep Puerto Rico Present Everywhere Whether you're on the island or abroad, El Cuartito helps you stay rooted in Puerto Rican pride and sound.
Where Is El Cuartito?
El Cuartito Record Store is located inside El Departamento, in the Callejón del Carmen—just a short walk from the Río Piedras Urban Train Station.
Opening Hours:
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Thursdays during special events
Why Support Creative Entrepreneurship in Puerto Rico?
Supporting spaces like El Cuartito means uplifting culture through everyday experiences. These businesses don’t just sell products—they create memory, identity, and connection.
The impact of supporting ventures like El Cuartito:
- 🇵🇷 They preserve Puerto Rican cultural identity
- 💼 They strengthen the local creative economy
- 🎓 They promote education and cultural awareness
- 🌍 They connect generations and the diaspora
