Award-Winning Comal Heritage Food Incubator Closing in February

In 2016, the nonprofit organization Focus Points Family Resource Center debuted a lunch restaurant with a greater mission than just serving meals. Comal Heritage Food Incubator's goal was to provide residents of the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods with job training and resources.

Over its six years in RiNo's TAXI development, it served food while simultaneously training low-income women who are recent immigrants and refugees from countries such as Mexico, El Salvador, Syria, Ethiopia and Iraq in restaurant and business skills. In 2021, it garnered national attention when it landed on the New York Times list of the Fifty Best Restaurants in America.

A year and a half ago, Comal debuted a new, larger space at RiNo ArtPark, 1950 35th Street, but that chapter is now coming to a close: Focus Points has announced that the restaurant's last day will be February 14.

“Comal has been a shining example of what is possible when communities come together to support one another,” says Focus Points Executive Director Jules Kelty in a press release announcing the news. “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.”
During its run, several Comal participants have gone on to open their own food businesses, including Silvia’s Kitchen, Prieto’s Catering, and Jebena Ethiopian Coffee & Gursha Catering.

“This decision allows us to honor the quality and integrity of Comal’s program while ensuring that Focus Points can continue to fulfill its mission of strengthening families and communities,” the release adds. “We will forever cherish what we have accomplished together and look forward to building on this success in new ways.”

Focus Points also notes that it is "actively seeking a like-minded operator to take over the space and continue a mission-driven culinary enterprise."

Comal will continue offering lunch through Friday, February 14, its final day of operation. The community is encouraged to come and savor the unique flavors that have made Comal a cherished part of Denver’s culinary landscape.

Comal Heritage Food Incubator is located at 1950 35th Street and will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday until February 14. For more information, visit comaldenver.com.