This community event celebrates local Hispanic food entrepreneurs through a fusion of music, educational panels, business support opportunities, and product demonstrations, showcasing Tucson's rich diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with business support organizations, enjoy live music, and meet many of the Hispanic food entrepreneurs moving Tucson's food forward.

The event includes a panel on Success in Food Entrepreneurship moderated by Ray Flores, the President of Flores Concepts, a Tucson-based management and creative company overseeing restaurants, airport cafes and a catering business. The core concept of Flores Concepts is El Charro Café, which was founded by Flores' great-great-aunt in 1922 and has been overseen by Chef Carlotta Flores since the early 1970’s. Flores oversees several Tucson City of Gastronomy-certified restaurants including El Charro, Charro Steak, Charro Steak, Charro Chico and The Monica. The panelists include Chef Juan Almanza owner/chef of El Taco Rustico, Jose Salinas owner/chef of El Minuto and Marcela Davila owner/chef of The Little One.

The event also includes takeaway treats, live music and a business support showcase highlighting resources for entrepreneurs.

This event kicks off the first day of the Tucson City of Gastronomy Pueblos del Maiz festival. After the event, attendees are invited to join us for a stroll over to Borderlands Brewing Kick for a Viejo Pueblo Happy Hour. Taste the special brew made for Pueblos del Maiz with 60 day Tohono O'odham corn, grown at the San Xavier Co-op Farm right here in Southern Arizona

Sabor de la Comunidad is a collaboration between Tucson City of Gastronomy, Local First Arizona and University of Arizona FORGE sponsored in part through the Downtown Tucson For Everyone Grant through the Downtown Tucson Partnership’s Social Justice Committee. This program awards grants to events /programs presented in Downtown Tucson that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and reach underserved communities.

Thank you to the Downtown Tucson Partnership and HSL Properties for sponsoring this program and supporting our event! Additional support and sponsorship provided by Pima County Economic Development and Startup Tucson.