Freddy Potoy Rosales
Two decades ago, Marisela Cortés Gutiérrez and Isaac Sacramento Cortés arrived in the United States from Puebla, Mexico, without money or support networks. Today, thanks to their effort, sacrifice, and discipline, they have built a solid legacy that includes real estate and several businesses—one of which they recently launched in Pittsburgh.
The couple invested $600,000 in purchasing a three-story building intended to offer lodging through the Airbnb platform. The property is located at 2009 Forbes Ave, just a few miles from Oakland—Pittsburgh’s academic, cultural, and healthcare hub—and very close to Downtown.
“When I heard this was a growing city, with hospitals, schools, universities, and affordable housing prices, all of that caught my attention. That’s what motivated us to invest. I said, ‘Okay, let’s do it,’” shares Marisela Cortés, who chose to tell her success story to Pittsburgh Latino Magazine.
“I see a lot of potential in Pittsburgh. I know everything takes time, but I’m convinced this city has a lot to offer and that good things are coming,” she added. Although they currently live with their three children in Bedford, a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Pittsburgh has become a key part of their business vision.
Marisela and Isaac recall that they bought their first restaurant in 2014 with an investment of $45,000.
“We had no money and no experience, but we had a strong desire to move forward. We borrowed money from family and friends. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it,” Marisela says.
With the profits from the restaurant, they bought their first home in 2019. Two years later, in 2021, they purchased a second home, and in 2022, a second restaurant. Both the restaurants and the second home are located in Manchester, also in Hillsborough County.
The second home was purchased with the intention of renting it to Hispanic families and making the rental process easier for them. “When we first arrived, renting was very difficult. They asked for a lot of
references we didn’t have. I said, if one day I can help, I want to make that process easier for hardworking people like us,” explains Cortés Gutiérrez.
Based on her experience, Marisela offers this advice to those hoping to get ahead:
“First, reflect on what motivated you to come to the United States. Second, don’t be afraid. If you just wait and never dare to cross to the other side, you’ll never know what’s out there. It won’t be easy—but it’s worth it.”
The family’s new business, Comfort at Forbes, is located at 2009 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA—just a few miles from the heart of Oakland, the city’s main academic, cultural, and medical center, and very close to Downtown. For more information or reservations, call 412-999-1038 or visit ComfortatForbes.com.
This story was first featured in our May-June 2025 print magazine.
