ASTORIA, OR – Five years ago, Astoria’s culinary scene was enriched with the arrival of Tres Bros, a vibrant food truck serving authentic Nicaraguan home-style cooking. Today, Tres Bros reaches a major milestone with the opening of a 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 opening a brick-and-mortar store, Tres Bros also makes regular appearances at Food Roots Marketplace selling their popular salsas and participates in the Food Roots Individual Development Account (IDA) savings program, which has played a key role in their growth from a food truck to a full-fledged restaurant.
IDA Savings Program: A Starting Point for Local Entrepreneurs
The Individual Development Account (IDA) program is one of Food Roots’ cornerstone initiatives, designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs by providing a matching savings account. Participants in the IDA program save money toward a specific goal, such as starting or expanding a business, buying a home, or continuing their education. For every dollar saved, the program matches additional funds, helping participants reach their goals faster.
For Tres Bros, the IDA program played a key role in providing the financial assistance they needed to transition from a mobile food service to a permanent dining establishment, underscoring the importance of community-based economic development programs in nurturing local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of the local food industry.
A growing trend: supporting small food businesses
Torres Brothers’ success story comes at a time when small food businesses face numerous challenges. The number of small family farms and food businesses is declining, and larger corporations are increasingly dominating the market. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the trend toward consolidation of agriculture and food production is a major obstacle for small producers.
Initiatives like the Food Roots IDA program are crucial to reversing this trend by providing much-needed financial support and resources to local entrepreneurs. By investing in small food businesses, these programs help preserve the diversity and richness of local food cultures that are essential to the social and economic health of rural communities.
The importance of preserving culinary traditions
For communities like Astoria, preserving culinary traditions is an essential part of maintaining their cultural heritage. Tres Bros’ commitment to serving authentic Nicaraguan cuisine not only provides a unique dining option for residents and visitors, it also keeps important cultural practices alive. Preserving this culture is essential to fostering a sense of community and continuity, especially in an area with such a rich and diverse history.
About Food Roots
Founded in 2006 in Tillamook, Oregon, Food Roots is a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating a vibrant local food system. Inspired by the vision of founder Shelly Bowe, Food Roots works to connect local farmers, food producers and consumers through a variety of programs aimed at enhancing food security, education and economic development. Their efforts include Farm to School programs, Community Table Marketplaces and microenterprise development programs.
A bright future for the Torres Brothers
As Tres Bros settles into their new location, their story is a testament to the power of community support and entrepreneurial spirit. The Food Roots IDA program not only helped them establish a permanent home in downtown Astoria, it also ensured that their unique Nicaraguan flavors will continue to delight and inspire people for years to come.
Next time you’re in town, stop by Tres Bros at 915 Commercial Street to enjoy great home-cooked meals and experience firsthand the positive impact of Food Roots’ community work. For more information about Food Roots and its programs, visit Food Roots.
