Alexandria Living Magazine
Owner Carla Mantecon inside Cocolita Food when it opened in 2022.
The tiny Cocolita Food in the Chirilagua neighborhood closed last week, but it's not the end.
Owner Carla Mantecon had opened the store in June 2022 at 3802 Mount Vernon Ave. She had started a catering business six years ago.
In the store, Mantecon offered a variety of freshly made Mexican foods, a variety of salsas, guacamole, dressings, chips, tostadas, cookies, chocolate and tea — including Marina fruit tisane teas, which are made by her brother-in-law’s family in Mexico. In addition, she carries items such as dolls, soaps and pottery made from both local makers as well as Mexican artisans.
"The point of the store is bringing good and high quality products. It’s not just bringing in Mexican products, no – I want to bring products that have quality but also supporting small businesses,” Mantecon said when the store opened.
In a note posted on the venue's door and on Instagram, Mantecon said this is not the end and she will continue offering catering, private dinners and delivery services — and new projects are on the horizon.
