In a bittersweet announcement for Denver's culinary scene, Comal Heritage Food Incubator, a unique restaurant with a powerful social mission, is set to close its doors on February 14th. Since its inception in 2016 by the nonprofit Focus Points Family Resource Center, Comal has been more than just a place to grab lunch; it has served as a vital comal heritage food incubator, providing job training and essential resources to residents of the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods.
For six impactful years at RiNo’s TAXI development, Comal operated as a restaurant while simultaneously empowering low-income, recent immigrant and refugee women. Hailing from countries like Mexico, El Salvador, Syria, Ethiopia, and Iraq, these women gained invaluable restaurant and business skills through Comal’s comprehensive program. The incubator’s innovative approach garnered national acclaim in 2021 when it was recognized by the New York Times as one of the Fifty Best Restaurants in America, highlighting its culinary excellence and community impact.
Comal team at loteria event 2021 credit life unstill- showcasing the team and their culinary heritage Comal’s mission has consistently been to nurture and cultivate food-based entrepreneurs, and its success is evident in the numerous participants who have launched their own thriving businesses. Silvia’s Kitchen, Prieto’s Catering, and Jebena Ethiopian Coffee & Gursha Catering are just a few examples of ventures born from the comal heritage food incubator, demonstrating its lasting influence on Denver’s food landscape.
Despite relocating to a larger space at RiNo ArtPark in 2022, Focus Points has made the difficult decision to close Comal. Executive Director Jules Kelty stated in a press release, “Comal has been a shining example of what is possible when communities come together to support one another. While the decision to close Comal was not easy, we are incredibly proud of the transformative impact Comal has had on so many lives. Its legacy of empowering entrepreneurs and celebrating cultural diversity will leave a lasting impact on everyone it has touched.”
Focus Points emphasizes that this decision allows them to uphold the high standards of Comal’s program while ensuring the organization can continue to effectively pursue its broader mission of strengthening families and communities. They are actively seeking a “like-minded operator” to take over the RiNo ArtPark space, hoping to see another mission-driven culinary enterprise thrive in its place, continuing the spirit of community empowerment that comal heritage food incubator embodied.
Denverites are encouraged to visit Comal before its final day on February 14th to savor the unique and culturally rich flavors that have made it a beloved institution. Comal Heritage Food Incubator, located at 1950 35th Street, will be serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, until its closure. For more information, please visit comaldenver.com.
