What happens when representatives from two community development groups and a local small business get together to talk shop? They work together to bring a restaurant to a community where residents regularly lament a lack of dining options.

The new restaurant, Pupusas y Antojitos Helen, features cuisine traditionally found on the plates of those who live in El Salvador, Central America. Restaurant owner Helen Martinez is bringing her brand of Salvadoran cuisine to the western suburbs with the help of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation and McKees Rocks Community Development Corporation, which worked together to find her a site.

Stowe business owners since 2011, Aaron and Jackie Stubna purchased the restaurant spot located next door to their Parkway Theater & Film Lounge in March.

The restaurant space previously housed a pizza parlor, something Aaron Stubna says the McKees Rocks and Stowe Township communities do not need more of. With the purchase, he and his wife were planning to bring a Mexican restaurant or something distinct to the area.

They intended to be particular about what would fill the space and wanted something that would complement their work in trying to revitalize the West Park section of Broadway Avenue.

In late 2017, the couple brought Abjuration Brewing Co. to the neighborhood. The local nano brewery opened as a stand-alone business inside the Parkway Theater space. Since then they’ve gathered quite a following and opened an outdoor biergarten and stage next door. The brewers focus on handcrafting diverse offerings but lean toward “hoppy and sour, clean American ales.”

Also inside the Parkway Theater space is a kitchenette offering a variety of sandwiches under the business name of Safari Eats and a full-service bar. Stubna’s nonprofit Community Reel Arts Center provides movies for film lovers and film makers alike.

Following the Salvadoran restaurant’s soft opening last week, Aaron Stubna reports that customers at the film lounge have had nothing but good things to say about the new food offerings next door.

“The food is excellent. It’s something different and something needed and we’re really excited about having it here,” Stubna said.

MRCDC Executive Director Taris Vrcek echoes those sentiments.

“It’s been amazing working together to bring the community something that everyone can agree is needed,” Vrcek said.

“At the end of the day we’re all focused on the same thing, improving our communities.”

Nonprofit MRCDC focuses on revitalization within the Sto-Rox communities “to foster inclusive and equitable economic growth, generational wealth building, affordable housing, and commercial development.”

PHDC, also a not-for-profit organization, focuses on improving equity in the Pittsburgh area, operates a business incubator, housing initiative and employment program.

“These programs support new and existing Hispanic businesses, increase Hispanic investment in the region, attract Hispanics to the region, and help Hispanics become part of the community,” wrote Guillermo Velazquez, PHDC executive director in a letter inviting McKees Rocks area officials to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony set from 2 – 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9.

“As a result, the lives of Hispanics in the Pittsburgh area are improved, and the entire region benefits,” he said.

Initial hours will be daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to filled handhelds like pupusas, tacos and specialty plates, Salvadoran-style breakfast items will be available. Pupusas y Antojitos Helen is located at 642 Broadway Ave., Stowe Township.

Pupusas: The Heart of Salvadoran Cuisine

What exactly are pupusas?

Cooking Class with Carol

By Carol Mancini

At the core of Salvadoran food culture is the pupusa, a thick, handmade tortilla stuffed with a variety of fillings. Traditionally made from corn or rice flour, pupusas are incredibly versatile. Common fillings include cheese, beans, and chicharrón (fried pork).

The beauty of a pupusa lies in its simplicity and the skill required to craft it. Each bite is a delicious blend of textures and flavors, often served with a tangy slaw called curtido and a spicy tomato sauce known as salsa roja. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a cultural cornerstone, enjoyed by Salvadorans across the globe.

Cultural significance – Pupusas are more than just a meal; they are a symbol of Salvadoran identity and culture. They are commonly enjoyed at family gatherings, street food stalls, and festivals. The preparation and consumption of pupusas often involve communal efforts, reflecting the importance of shared meals in Salvadoran culture.

Variations – While traditional pupusas are made with corn masa and classic fillings, there are many regional and contemporary variations:

• Pupusas de Revuelta: A mix of cheese, beans, and chicharrón.
• Pupusas de Loroco: Filled with loroco, a Salvadoran herb with a unique flavor.
• Pupusas de Frijol con Queso: Beans and cheese combination.

Pupusas are a versatile and beloved dish that exemplifies the essence of Salvadoran cuisine—simple ingredients, rich flavors, and a deep sense of tradition. Whether enjoyed in a Salvadoran home or at a street food vendor, pupusas offer a delicious glimpse into the heart of El Salvador.

To learn more about Pupusas y Antojitos Helen in Food Blogger Carol Mancini’s soft opening visit to the Broadway Avenue restaurant in Stowe Township and how to make “Pupusas: a Cultural Treat” check out her Carol of Moon Blog.

A McKees Rocks native, Carol Ann Dzadony Mancini started writing about her passions, thoughts and curious wonderings about our society and its food in 2021. She founded her blog and “Cooking Class with Carol” to provide a taste of what goes on in her mind and to share the foods that make her happy.