San Alejo, the beloved Salvadoran restaurant celebrated for its authentic homestyle pupusas and deep-rooted community involvement, is set to expand its footprint with a brand new location in Montgomery County. The new establishment will be located at 7643 New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park, taking over the space previously occupied by No. 1 China in the Takoma Langley Crossroads shopping center. The restaurant opens at 11am on Friday, September 5th.
San Alejo opened its first restaurant in Hyattsville, at 1819 East-West Hwy, nearly a decade ago. The restaurant proudly states its mission: “A Salvadoran family that seeks to recreate homemade food from the fields of our country: our ancestral cuisine that is passed down from generation to generation.” They emphasize the use of “unique spices and ingredients to create authentic, high-quality food,” with many essential items like morro, loroco, cashew, silk beans, and dairy products imported directly from El Salvador to ensure an unparalleled taste experience.
Beyond its delicious offerings, San Alejo stands out for its profound social mission and dedication to the community. A remarkable 95% of their workforce is comprised of women, a point of immense pride for the establishment. “This was, is and will continue to be our greatest social mission: supporting single mothers who give their best to prepare delicious dishes, while running their homes with effort and love. We are proud to have you as part of our team,” states the restaurant.
The restaurant’s community engagement extends further, with regular funding for activities in local schools, churches, community clinics, and sports teams. They also generously offer free, open cooking classes for organizations dedicated to healthy eating for diabetics.