Astoria, OR – Five years ago, the culinary landscape of Astoria was enriched by the arrival of Tres Bros, a vibrant food truck offering authentic Nicaraguan home cooking. Today, Tres Bros has achieved a significant milestone by opening their own brick-and-mortar location at 915 Commercial Street in downtown Astoria. This exciting development not only marks a new chapter for the business but also highlights the impact of supportive community initiatives like those offered by Food Roots.
In addition to their new physical presence, Tres Bros has been a regular contributor to the Food Roots Marketplace, where they sell their popular salsas. They also participated in Food Roots’ Individual Development Account (IDA) savings program, which played a crucial role in their journey from a food truck to a fully-fledged restaurant.
The IDA Savings Program: A Launchpad for Local Entrepreneurs
The Individual Development Account (IDA) program is one of the cornerstone initiatives of Food Roots, designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by providing matched savings accounts. Participants in the IDA program save money towards a specific goal, such as starting or expanding a business, buying a home, or furthering their education. For every dollar saved, the program matches it with additional funds, thereby accelerating the participants’ ability to achieve their goals.
For Tres Bros, the IDA program was instrumental in providing the financial boost needed to transition from a mobile food operation to a stationary eatery. This support underscores the importance of community-based economic development programs in fostering local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of the local food scene.
A Growing Trend: Supporting Small Food Businesses
The success story of Tres Bros comes at a time when small food businesses face numerous challenges. The number of small, family-owned farms and food enterprises has been declining, with large corporations increasingly dominating the market. According to the USDA, the trend towards consolidation in agriculture and food production poses significant obstacles for small-scale producers.
Initiatives like the Food Roots IDA program are crucial in reversing this trend by providing much-needed financial support and resources to local entrepreneurs. By investing in small food businesses, these programs help to preserve the diversity and richness of local food cultures, which are essential for the social and economic health of rural communities.
The Importance of Preserving Culinary Heritage
For communities like Astoria, preserving culinary traditions is an integral part of maintaining cultural heritage. Tres Bros’ commitment to offering authentic Nicaraguan cuisine not only provides residents and visitors with unique dining options but also keeps important cultural practices alive. This cultural preservation is vital for fostering a sense of community and continuity, especially in areas with rich and diverse histories.
About Food Roots
Founded in 2006 in Tillamook, Oregon, Food Roots is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a vibrant local food system. Inspired by founder Shelly Bowe’s vision, Food Roots works to connect local farmers, food producers, and consumers through various programs aimed at enhancing food security, education, and economic development. Their initiatives include the Farm to School program, the Community Table marketplace, and the Micro-Enterprise Development program.
A Bright Future for Tres Bros
As Tres Bros settles into their new location, their story serves as a testament to the power of community support and entrepreneurial spirit. The Food Roots IDA program has not only helped them establish a permanent home in downtown Astoria but also ensured that their distinctive Nicaraguan flavors continue to delight and inspire.
Next time you’re in town, be sure to visit Tres Bros at 915 Commercial Street to enjoy their exceptional home cooking and experience firsthand the positive impact of Food Roots’ community initiatives. For more information about Food Roots and their programs, visit Food Roots.