Over the past couple of days, a number of readers have shared the news with me about the unfortunate reality of Reeva’s extended closure. This popular and highly-regarded pizza truck in the Roseway neighborhood indicated back on Tuesday, November 4 that they were closing at the end of service on Sunday, November 9 to attend to “personal matters.”
This vague statement could have meant any variety of things but now we know what happened: Roberto Hernandez Guerrero, owner and operator of Reeva Cafe y Cocina a la Leña, is stuck in Mexico, having been denied reentry into the U.S.
The Instagram Post
You can read the whole post on Instagram, but here is the gist of what’s going on:
“Many of you know Roberto—the passionate chef, creator, and soul behind Reeva. Over the past several years, our family has been diligently working through the complex, costly, and exhausting process of obtaining legal residency for Roberto in the United States. In recent days, during the final stage of this journey, Roberto was called to Ciudad Juarez for his final interview, which he was advised by his legal council to attend. Tragically, his re entry to the United States was denied. As a result, Roberto is now stuck in Mexico separated from his home, his family, business, and life here in the United States—a country he has called home for over 20 years.”
It goes on to remind us that “Roberto’s roots run deep here.” And by that, he is a business owner and a homeowner, a husband, a dad to three kids, and a member of our community. He pays taxes. This person has contributed to the health and well-being of Portland many times over.
The Heartbreak
Others have suffered at the end of the current administration’s immigration policy, and it’s deeply disturbing to see the brutality thrust upon them. But Roberto’s case is a whole other kind of gut punch for me because of my proximity. I’ve covered Reeva on this website, enjoyed their food many times, as a customer I’ve chatted with Roberto over the years, and greatly value how they’ve improved that little corner of Sandy and 77th with their presence.
The situation has been heartbreaking for those of us on the outside looking in, and I can only imagine how awful it is for his wife and children to be separated from him like this. Regarding his residency, he was “doing it right,” as critics like to say, going through the proper legal channels—and he still was denied to return entry to this country.
Reeva
Reeva has been operating on the Blossom (landscapers) property on Sandy Blvd since 2022. Roberto brought his experience from his time at Andina and Pizzeria Otto with him, and he has served up beautiful pizza, salads, and Pizzaleada over the past few years. What’s a Pizzaleada? From our original article on Reeva’s arrival:
On April 13 they revealed their newest creation: the Pizzaleada, which is a kind of breakfast/brunch pizza. ‘We took inspiration from the Honduran ‘Baleada.’ The Pizzaleada is a combination of refried beans, cheese, and sour cream served as a pizza. You can add an egg, avocado, chorizo, and other toppings to your liking!”
Reeva also won Best New Food Cart from PDX Eater in 2022, and The Oregonian did a nice writeup on them that same year.
The Family Is Keeping the Faith
Since posting their message on Instagram, the family has shared updates that Roberto is grateful for the outpouring of support and “he is feeling the good energy.” They are doing their best to stay positive: “We hold onto hope for the future—whether that means reopening Reeva’s doors later on, hosting pop-up events, or new ways to bring our flavors to you.”
And speaking of support, Mika Paredes wrote a lovely tribute to Roberto on the Cornet Custard Instagram. It’s worth a read.
A GoFundMe has been organized, and the funds from that will help the family pay the mortgage, bills, childcare, and legal fees, as he will be appealing the decision to refuse him re-entry. They have met their goal of $10,000 as of the writing of this article, but I am sure that surpassing that would be more than welcome. Lawyers are not cheap.
By sharing all of this, I hope it brings attention to Roberto’s plight, some financial support, and most of all I hope Roberto returns to his family, community, and business very soon.
Reeva [temporarily closed, November 2025]
7745 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
Instagram
Meg Cotner
Latest posts by Meg Cotner (see all)
- Small Bites: Parallel Biscuits, The Deck Reopens, D’s Knots, and More - May 1, 2026
- Strange-bird Will Open a Brick and Mortar in Southeast Portland - April 30, 2026
- Dinner Service at Pamana Launches This Week in Portland - April 28, 2026
This is as helpful as it is heartbreaking, Meg.
I only know of Roberto through a couple of visits to his superb cart, and through neighborhood connections. Still, this is our community’s problem to solve. Thanks for using your platform and reach us and amplify the need for collective support.
Cheers