The Official Newsletter of the Street Food Institute
Here’s what has happened in the last few months and what’s to come!
It’s been a while since we last connected, and we’re so excited to share what’s been happening at the Street Food Institute! We’ve been busy behind the scenes, and we can’t wait to update you on our progress, upcoming events, and new opportunities to get involved in our mission to grow food entrepreneurship and community right here in the Barelas neighborhood.
We’re thrilled to announce that the Street Food Institute has officially moved into our new home at 1411 Fourth St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102!
This new space is so much more than a building—it’s a vibrant hub for culinary creativity, community connection, and opportunity.
We’ve thoughtfully expanded our kitchen facilities to better support the entrepreneurs, students, and community members who bring our mission to life. With two state-of-the-art specialty kitchens, a spacious shared commissary, and a dedicated demo and teaching kitchen, we’re able to offer more hands-on learning, more mentorship, and more pathways for people to start, grow, and thrive in the culinary world.
One of the most exciting additions is our new retail space, where we’ll be launching the Barelas Bodega in 2026. This future bodega will serve as a neighborhood cornerstone—part marketplace, part community hub—where local makers, food entrepreneurs, and SFI participants can showcase their products. Whether it’s fresh pastries from our bakers, packaged goods from alumni businesses, or everyday essentials for our neighbors, the Barelas Bodega will weave together local commerce and community pride.
Outside, our beautiful open patio is designed to bring people together. This space will host community gatherings, markets, celebrations, pop-up events, Friday Pizza Nights, Saturday Morning Markets, and the kind of neighbor-to-neighbor connections that make Barelas such a special place. We envision families sharing a meal, entrepreneurs interacting with customers, and residents enjoying a vibrant and inclusive gathering space right in their own neighborhood.
As we grow into this new home, our commitment remains the same: to use food as a catalyst for opportunity, creativity, and community. We can’t wait to welcome you in and share all that’s ahead.
Students Corner: Learning While Doing
Our students are diving deep into the essentials of culinary entrepreneurship — from menu planning and food costing to business management — all while gaining hands-on experience through our food trucks, catering projects, and real-time kitchen operations. They’re learning what it takes to turn a recipe into a viable business, building confidence as they create menus, develop pricing strategies, and bring their ideas to life in a professional environment. Their creativity, dedication, and passion remind us every day why this program matters.
This work extends far beyond the classroom. Through our internship program, young adults gain paid, on-the-job experience that prepares them for the culinary workforce. Interns learn everything from knife skills and kitchen safety to customer service and event production, all while receiving mentorship from SFI staff and local industry professionals. Many interns go on to join restaurants, launch food ventures, or continue their education with a clear sense of purpose and direction.
We’re also proud to support the next generation of culinary leaders through our partnerships with high school culinary programs. Throughout the year, we welcome high 
school students into our kitchen for hands-on cooking workshops, workforce readiness training, and immersive learning experiences. These opportunities give students a glimpse into the culinary world, spark new interests, and help them imagine a future filled with possibility. Some even return as interns or enroll in our programs — a powerful testament to the impact of early exposure and encouragement.
And when you support SFI — whether by enjoying a meal at one of our food trucks, volunteering at an event, or simply sharing our story — you’re creating real opportunities for these students, interns, and future entrepreneurs. Your involvement fuels their growth and helps us expand our reach, one kitchen session, one event, and one student at a time.
Thank you for being part of this movement — for believing in our mission, celebrating our students, and helping build a stronger, more connected community through food. Together, we’re shaping the future of culinary entrepreneurship in New Mexico, one meal, one student, one story at a time.
Entrepreneur Highlight
Say Hello to one of SFI’s Student Businesses!
Business Highlight!
We are excited to have Kyle Key as a member of the Barelas Community Kitchen Family! He is the creative fermenter behind NM Chile Jang! His one-of-a-kind creation blends the bold, funky flavors of Korean gochujang with the smoky, spicy magic of New Mexico chile.
Kyle is a proud graduate of SFI’s Entrepreneurial Food Management course, we are thrilled to celebrate the success Kyle has achieved so far. From tacos to bibimbap, his fusion paste is here to take your cooking to the next level!
Support local flavor innovators like Kyle!
Staff Spotlight: Silvia Terrazas Ochoa
This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight Silvia Terrazas Ochoa, co-owner of Fiesta on the Go and a proud member of the Street Food Institute family. Silvia’s journey is one of determination, creativity, and community — all rooted in her love for sharing authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist.
Prior to graduating from SFI’s program, Silvia honed her skills at Three Sisters Kitchen, where she developed her signature dehydrated salsas. Through the SFI program, she further refined her culinary and business skills, turning her passion for food into a thriving venture. Fiesta on the Go brings the warmth and flavor of traditional Mexican cuisine to Albuquerque’s streets, offering her signature salsas and sauces inspired by her family’s recipes.
Silvia is more than a talented chef — she’s a mentor, a leader, and an example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Her commitment to quality, community, and entrepreneurship embodies the spirit of SFI. We couldn’t be prouder to spotlight her success and celebrate the vibrant culture she brings to every plate.
Naming Rights Campaign
We’re excited to celebrate and honor our community throughout our new shared kitchen, education space, and community plaza. Now, individuals, businesses, and organizations have the unique opportunity to have their name displayed in a chosen area and be a lasting part of this vibrant community space.
Tours of the Barelas Community Kitchen are still available! Schedule your visit today by reaching out to emily@streetfoodinstitute.org.
Join us in shaping a space that brings people—and food—together for years to come!