Seven months pregnant, Teresa works long days serving Guatemalan food while raising her children and preparing for another.

Teresa spends her days preparing traditional Guatemalan food at Cocina Guatemalteca, where soups and handmade tortillas are among the most popular items.

The business operates from two locations, including one near 8th Street and Bonnie Brae. Teresa works from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day, helping prepare food and serve customers throughout the day.

The work is demanding, especially because much of it begins long before the first order is served. For Teresa, preparing the food is the hardest part of the job.

She is also balancing the business with a growing family. Teresa is seven months pregnant and already has three children. Even with long shifts and family responsibilities, she continues showing up each day.

On a good day, around 30 customers stop by. In the past, busier days could bring 60 to 70 people. Through those changing crowds, Teresa remains part of the team keeping Cocina Guatemalteca running.

Her story reflects the amount of work that often remains unseen behind a food stand: early preparation, long hours, family responsibilities, and the determination to keep serving the community.

Quick Facts

Name: Teresa

Business: Cocina Guatemalteca

Cuisine: Guatemalan Food

Locations: Two

Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM

Popular Items: Soups and Handmade Tortillas

Biggest Challenge: Preparing the Food

Customer Traffic: About 30 on a Good Day

Family: Mother of Three, with Another Child on the Way

By Austin Iluore

Cooking for a Growing Family