Montebello’s Big New Food Hall Secures One of LA’s Favorite Fried Chicken Joints

Construction on Downtown Montebello’s 8,500 square foot food hall starts in a month, and once complete will showcase some local new vendors to the revitalized block. When BLVD MRKT opens in spring of 2020, it’ll house Phat Birds, a beer garden, and a permanent spot for the popular El Salvadoran truck, VCHOS.

BLVD MRKT only accepted early-stage restaurant startups, caterers, and new businesses ready to make the transition into a permanent food space. Gentefy, the organization behind BLVD MRK, mentored the aspiring restaurateurs for nearly two years, provided them with fully equipped kitchens, access to capital, and coaching. Gentefy founder, Barney Santos’ mission is to revitalize a neighborhood without displacing the existing community.

BLVD MRKT will repurpose shipping containers for its eight food vendors, and create a community area with a courtyard, and keep room for pop-ups. Eater spoke with Santos who shared details about the new tenants. He’s still on the hunt for another anchor tenant, but below are the current vendors for Montebello’s BLVD MRKT.

Alchemy Craft Beer

Alchemy Craft Beer is a brand new business that serves craft beers from only LA County brewers, along with a wine selection.

Buñuelitas

Buñuelitas’ owners Jamie and Lety Luna developed a fresh spin on buñuelos, a traditional Mexican dessert where deep-fried dough is laced with toppings like sugar and cinnamon. The Lunas will also offer a build your own dessert with ice cream, custom dressings and toppings.

Cafe Santo

Taking inspiration from Los Angeles and Oaxacan culture, Cafe Santo will ultimately be an espresso bar. Owners Pilar Castañeda and Marlon Gonzalez’s coffee cart already maintains a regular presence at the Renegade Craft Fair and throughout farmers markets in Southern California.

Ciao Pizzeria

Ciao Pizzeria a first-time solo venture for Ciao Pizzeria’s owner Maurizio Regina, where wood-fire pizzas and Italian street food will be on the menu.

Los Taquero Mucho

When open, Los Taquero Mucho will be a modern taco stand with influences from Mexico and Guatemala. It’s also family-owned and operated by Montebello-adjacent Downey residents Miguel Garcia, Alex Ramirez, and Silvia Garcia.

PhatBirds

East LA fried chicken joint Phat Birds signed a lease at BLVD MRKT. It’ll be the second location for the popular business, which launched in 2017.

Vchos Pupuseria Moderna

Wendy Centeno and partner Donny Morales own VCHOS, a popular Savadoran food truck. VCHOS is a play on a Central American slang word used to describe young people. BLVD MRKT will be the couple’s first storefront.

BLVD MRKT. 520 Whittier Blvd, Montebello, CA

• An Upcoming Food Hall Wants Locals to Revitalize Downtown Montebello [ELA]
• New Food Hall Brings 14 Fantastic Vendors to the Heart of San Gabriel Valley [ELA]