Winter 2023 | Edible Notables

A Second Chance

Local Guatemalan eatery comes to life.

In 1999, baker Fausto Salazar found himself in Reno with $20 in his pocket and the hope for a better world. Fast forward to 2023, and his bustling Panaderia Mi Linda de Guatemala has sparked a community unlike any other.

Born and raised in Guatemala, Fausto spent his childhood supporting his parents and siblings.

“He’ll tell everyone here, ‘I started from nothing. I used to clean shoes. I used to pick up food from the garbage,’” his daughter, Glenda Salazar, shares.

Baking is an integral part of Guatemalan culture, and as Fausto learned to bake, he also learned to make a name for himself with his creations. As his family grew to include six bright children, Fausto’s career also grew to include establishing 14 successful bakeries in his home country.

Starting Over
While his business grew, tragedy struck Fausto’s family in 1996 and 1999, when two of his sons, Estuardo and Juan Carlos, were murdered by Guatemalan government forces. Hoping to seek political refuge for his family through asylum, Fausto fought for three years to relocate his family to Reno, where his brother, Hector, happened to reside. Fausto’s wife, daughters Glenda and Mariela, and son Marlon soon followed suit, eventually all making their way to The Biggest Little City except his remaining son, Oswaldo, who still lives in Guatemala.

“Thankfully, my dad got us political asylum, and the United States gave us protection,” Glenda says.

However, the journey to Reno forced a reset for the Salazar family. With only $20 to his name, Fausto began working at a warehouse to make ends meet. Baking was — temporarily — put on the back burner.

Once the Salazars found a rhythm in their new American lives, Glenda encouraged her dad to return to his baking roots. Fausto started baking again in his kitchen, and, through collaborating with Glenda, who had been developing her cooking skills, he found joy in introducing old traditions to his new country.

“We had people showing up and buying bread right from the house,” Glenda remembers. “That pushed him to start his business.”

In 2012, Panaderia Mi Linda de Guatemala, Fausto’s first American bakery and one of Nevada’s first Guatemalan eateries, was brought to life. While Fausto owns the business, he and Glenda are the two masterminds behind the flavors. Marlon, Mariela, and Hector also can be found working here, helping to keep the authentic recipes within the family.

Sharing Culture
Stepping foot in Mi Linda envelops you with bona fide Guatemalan flavors, a friendly smile, and infectious laughter ringing from staff members and customers alike. The community hub offers not only a chance to connect with neighbors, but also to discover the labor of love that is Guatemalan cooking.

“We don’t use that much equipment,” Glenda says of Guatemalan baking methods. “We use our hands, and everything we do is from scratch. It’s unique. It’s a culture, and it’s very artisan[al].”

Unforgettable menu items at Mi Linda include fluffy breads, savory tamales, and ever-flowing Guatemalan coffee. The perfectly steamed tamalitos de chipilín (a cultural spin on tamales) feature savory and spongy goodness, and the beef empanadas balance savory crunch with tender beef alongside fresh vegetables and a tangy salsa.

While the flavors are unparalleled, the community following makes Mi Linda an unforgettable destination.

“This is where pretty much everyone wants to hang out,” Glenda says. “Some come here in the morning, and then again in the afternoon, and then after work they have to stop by to say goodnight.”

The people are the reason Fausto loves what he does, and Glenda smiles as she reflects that “it’s just like home.”

Panaderia Mi Linda de Guatemala
1597 Vassar St., Reno · 775-358-8300
Find Panaderia Mi Linda Guatemala on Facebook