Comadre's Bakery Expansion Fund

Mis bebes. We are moving into a new kitchen space. After almost 5 years as an underground “pop up” business, operating wherever anyone is kind enough to let us set up: we finally have the opportunity to make Comadre Panadería more accessible to the Austin, Tejas community.

Comadre has been 100% self funded from the start. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants the biggest resource I have always had is working real, real hard. There was no generational wealth to draw from. No one to teach us financial literacy. Working in restaurants was more of a necessity than a choice. Despite all of the physical and mental abuse this industry has brought me, I feel fortunate to have found work that I truly love. I’m beyond proud that this tiny Panadería has already accomplished so much through our belief and determination in offering wholesome, nourishing foods. Thank you for believing in us.

We wouldn’t be here without our community. Without friends advocating to get us on events and on the radar of people that have influence. Without our neighbors checking up on our dog when a delivery person leaves the gate open. Without family and friends sacrificing their time to feed us, pick up ingredients, help us deliver pastries. Without our patrons sharing kind words about the joy our food brings them.

A few years ago, I would have never guessed we could be back here in Austin. Especially given the rapid gentrification and expansion it has seen. But there is a beautiful, talented community here fighting against the homogenization and commodification of their city. Being able to hold and take up this space in East Austin is a crucial responsibility. Black and brown communities built these neighborhoods and deserve acknowledgement for their ongoing contribution to our city’s culture: past, present, and future. I want this space to be an opportunity to reclaim power in community rather than be another example that treats the neighborhood as if its people and culture are already gone.

Our new space on 12th and Cedar (hell yea its right next to our biggest advocates: Nixta Taqueria) will be a game changer for us. This investment in bigger, better equipment and more space to grow will allow us to expand our hours and increase production. Importantly, having a physical retail space will mean walk up service for longer hours and more than just the weekend. Also breakfast tacos. I am looking forward to being able to grow our team, spread the gospel of nourishing food, and pass on knowledge, skills and resources to the next generation.

We are tired of not being accessible. We want to see you for more than an hour on Saturday or Sunday. I want to gossip with you. I want to meet your kids, your relatives and your friends; I want to hear your stories. I want y’all to know each other. I want to pour you coffee and tell you that joke I’ve been working on all morning. I want a space for my parents to come make their famous enchiladas and salsas.

Moving into this new kitchen is a crucial step for growing our bakery with intention. This expansion is going to eat up my savings and I’m asking for help with the growing pains. The funds will be used for essentials: from extra flour bins to bigger pots and pans, to a bucket of paint.

Chances are you’ve already supported us in so many ways, but if you’re able to help me take this important step I will make sure your impact is truly felt.

Love, Mariela