Front Range Foodie: Building Community, One Tortilla at a Time

When Jesus Soto’s grandparents began selling tortillas in Durango, Mexico, they had no idea how far their family business would go. Jesus immigrated to Colorado nearly 50 years ago, working his way through the Front Range’s manufacturing scene at Longmont Foods and Coors before making the jump to starting something for his family and community. Today, Las Americas Tortilleria is 35 years strong.

This journey did not come without its challenges. Daniela Soto, Jesus’ daughter who is now at the helm of the business, recounted her parents’ experiences navigating a much less populated Longmont in the 1990s. During their tenure at Longmont Foods, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visited frequently, and the couple observed several coworkers being taken away. Longmont lacked an established Hispanic community, and they had to adapt to a new place, language and way of life.

Tired of buying mass-produced tortillas, the Soto family decided Longmont needed something fresh- something that would bring back memories for neighbors who had immigrated from Mexico, Guatemala, and beyond. Daniela recalled her parents searching for an area where their dream could fill a gap in the market, eventually landing on the Lashley Street location.

Daniela reminisced about the early days, sharing fond memories of staying up late helping her parents perfect their corn and flour tortilla recipes. When the business first opened, patrons were mainly of Hispanic descent. Today, she delights in welcoming shoppers from all backgrounds. “We have a lot of diversity, you know, cultures coming in for the tortillas.”

There is a sense of reciprocity between the Sotos and the community. For three decades, children of customers and employees alike have grown up knowing this place. Las Americas donates tortillas to St. Vrain Valley Schools and partners with local businesses including La Panda Mexican Restaurant and Jefes Tacos & Tequila, both of which feature their tortillas.

Longmont’s population has nearly doubled since Las Americas Tortilleria was born, and Daniela hopes to see more small businesses prosper to serve this growing community. She hopes to carry on her family’s legacy, affirming, “If I put the same work and love that my dad has put into this business, I think we’re gonna keep on going.”

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