Rosita’s Cocina is Excited to Open Tannery Storefront This Winter

When I first arrived in the U.S. from Mexico, I was drawn to the idea of sharing my Mexican heritage through food. Newburyport felt like the perfect place to bring that dream to life, with its vibrant community and appreciation for diverse experiences.

Lucky for me, the food scene here isn’t just about competing, it’s about collaboration among local businesses and supporting each other. Whether it’s cross-promoting events or featuring one another’s products, there is a collective effort to see our community thrive. You see it everywhere, but especially at the local farmer’s market every Sunday, which not only provides fresh local goods and culinary creations, but also a sense of community.

It’s been a key part of helping Rosita’s Cocina gain a foothold in this community, and being able to share my empanadas, tamales, taquitos, and more with all of you. It’s about more than just food; it’s about forming relationships with other vendors and understanding where our food comes from. This connection is something I strive to bring to every dish and share with my customers.

But now it’s time for Rosita’s Cocina to expand beyond the parking lot of the farmer’s market. I’m thrilled to share that my café-style storefront, which has been a long-term project, is finally coming together. I’m hoping to open its doors by the end of December, offering authentic Mexican street food (and cooking classes!) inside the Tannery in downtown Newburyport. The menu will remain simple, featuring the same popular items from the farmer’s market with a few new additions, all while staying true to its authentic culinary roots.

Starting as a Latina and a woman in the entrepreneurial world has been difficult — at times it has felt like I’m not taken seriously — but luckily, we live in an inclusive and supportive community that really lifts up new businesses and values a wide range of cuisines. People here want meals that connect them to different cultures, and Newburyport’s increasingly diverse community has embraced traditional Mexican dishes not just as food, but as stories that bridge cultures and bring people together.

I can’t wait to continue serving the community at the farmer’s market, and welcome new customers for lunch, dinner, and snacks at my Tannery location once we open this winter.

Rosa Garza
Owner, Rosita’s Cocina

Passionate about a local issue? We want to hear from you. Check out our submission guidelines.