As many as 100,000 people are expected to watch Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G headline this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this weekend. But some of the other stars making an appearance are Eastside eateries.
With more than 100 food vendors, at least four Eastside food spots are making their way to the desert.
Carmen Santillan operates Cena Vegan, a plant-based eatery in Lincoln Heights alongside her husband, Mike Simms and sister, Marcy Velazquez. Back for its 6th year, Cena Vegan has become a plant-based staple at Coachella.
Santillan shared tips for aspiring entrepreneurs on how to turn a passion into a thriving business.
- First, just start. Don’t wait until everything is “perfect” to launch. We grew by focusing on the quality of our food first and building our infrastructure as we went. If the passion is there, you’ll find a way.
- Second, remember your skills are transferable. Whether you come from a corporate background or a technical trade, those skills — like organization or problem-solving—are vital in the food world. Don’t underestimate what you already know.
- Third, don’t be afraid to reach out. Most people are willing to help if you ask. We’re part of RegardingHer, a nonprofit that supports women in food and beverage. Having a community that provides access to resources and capital makes a massive difference.
If you’re attending, check out the Eastside eateries serving at the festival.
Cena Vegan
Known for its burritos and nacho boats, founder Santillan will be focusing on a new concept, “Taco Party,” a unique take on some of Taco Bell’s classic menu items, available at the Street Food Alley station. The team will also debut a “plant-based bacon-wrapped hot dog” at both locations.
What they’ll be serving:
Indio Central Market:
- The Big Vegan Burrito
- The Nacho Boat
Street Food Alley:
- Crunchwraps
- Crunchy tacos
Find them on the Eastside: 3317 N Mission Rd, Unit K-4, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Instagram: @cenavegan
Cafe La Vecindad
When Gracie Esparza and her brother Jonathan Esparza first started their mobile coffee business in 2023, one of their goals was to be a vendor at Coachella. Now three years later, they’re making it happen. What makes it even more special is being able to vend together with their aunt Carmen from Cena Vegan, who is also part-owner of the mobile coffee cart.
“We’re bringing three concepts together, which is a huge task to undertake, but we’re up for the challenge,” Gracie Esparza said. “It’s truly a family effort, and we’re proud to put our mobile cafecito on the map together.”
What they’ll be serving:
Street Food Alley:
- Café de olla latte topped with cold foam and dusted with cinnamon
- Matcha horchata with cold foam
- Refreshing espresso sparkling yuzu tonic
Find them on the Eastside: 1576 San Pablo St., Los Angeles, CA 90033. Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Instagram: @cafelavecindad
Delmy’s Pupusas
Delmy’s Pupusas can be found at farmers markets around Los Angeles, including the LAC+USC Medical Center Certified Farmers Market in Boyle Heights. According to Coachella, they were the first to bring pupusas to the festival.
What they’ll be serving:
Mojave location:
- Pupusas
Find them on the Eastside: LAC+USC Medical Center Certified Farmers Market, 2051 Marengo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Instagram: @delmyspupusas
Villa’s Tacos
After making headlines with a feature in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, Highland Park’s own Villa’s Tacos is heading to Coachella, serving up tacos at the festival’s Indio Central Market.
What they’ll be serving:
Street Food Alley:
- Villa’s Trio (three tacos made with blue corn masa tortillas, your meat of choice, topped with cilantro, onion and an option to add cotija cheese).
- House-made agua frescas, including their cucumber fan favorite.
- Vegetarian options are also available.
Find them on the Eastside: 5455 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Instagram: @villastacoslosangeles
