The Comal Heritage Food Incubator in Denver is closing its RiNo kitchen after years of supporting aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs.
Denver: The Comal Heritage Food Incubator has been a real gem in the RiNo Art District. It helped around 40 cooks and launched at least six businesses. But now, it’s getting ready to close its doors for good.
They’ll serve one last lunch on February 14, and it’s bittersweet. Focus Points Family Resource Center announced the closure, and it’s clear they’re proud of what Comal has achieved.
Jules Kelty, the executive director, mentioned how tough the decision was but highlighted the positive impact Comal had on many lives. It’s all about empowering entrepreneurs and celebrating cultural diversity.
Comal started back in 2016, mainly helping Mexican women in the area. Over time, they welcomed women from Africa, Central America, and the Middle East, which is pretty cool.
They’re now looking for someone else to take over the space and keep the mission alive. The name “Comal” comes from a clay griddle used in Mexico and Central America, which is fitting since they focused on food.
They offered two- to three-year programs for immigrant and refugee women to help them sell their own dishes. Students learned in a classroom and tested their recipes with real customers, earning a stipend while they worked.
In 2020, they even helped prepare meals for the Denver Metro Emergency Food Network. The New York Times recognized Comal as one of the 50 notable American restaurants the following year, which is quite an honor.
In 2023, they moved to a new kitchen in RiNo, but the challenges for restaurant owners have been tough. Denver has seen a 22% drop in restaurants since 2021, which is a big deal.
It’s a sad end for a place that meant so much to so many. If you want to keep up with Denver’s food scene, don’t forget to subscribe to their new food newsletter, Stuffed!
