Latino Heritage Month: From homeless man to businessman, local pan dulce store owner shares how, at 70, he works to make his panaderia a success | New
PASCO, WA – Daniel Alcaraz Mendoza opened his pan dulce (Spanish for sweet bread) store, Panaderia Colima, in Pasco over 15 years ago. After having closed his business for personal reasons for more than a decade, Mendoza has been running a reopened Panaderia Colima for two years. But the pandemic has slowed business.
“I work very hard to keep my business open and functional. I wouldn’t be able to do this without the loyal customers I have and my family.” says Alcaraz-Mendoza.
Even though Mendoza tries to apply for a license to be able to accept food stamps from his customers and other small business grants, he says he still hasn’t heard of the documents.
However, working hard and overcoming obstacles is nothing new for Mendoza.
“I went from having it all to ending up homeless, sleeping under the bridge that connects Kennewick to Pasco.” said Mendoza. “There I slept in a small cave.
During this time, after the divorce, he also struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism.
“But for four years. I haven’t touched that thing and I’ve been sober ever since.” said Mendoza. “I realized what is important in life, it’s not money or anything, it leaves a good legacy for my community and my children.”
“He’s such a good man who cares so much about everyone and all of his customers.” said one of his workers, Sonia.
“I am living proof that everything will be fine. If you find yourself in the same place as me, you can make it happen. Keep working hard and wake up! There is a God and He is real, who is in it. air, land, water, and has control over all of our lives. It’s thanks to God that I’m here alive, “said Mendoza.
Mendoza shared his gratitude to the local community and business leaders for mentoring him and helping revive his business. But would appreciate and like more business in order to stay financially stable.
“We sell fresh bread, all made by hand. It’s not my business, it’s the community’s business. Because it is for their pleasure. continued Mendoza.
Panaderia Colima is located at 801 W Clark St Suite A, Pasco, WA 99301