Alba Guerra and Sun Rise Restaurant
By Maddie Scher
We recently spoke with Alba Guerra, chef and owner of Sun Rise Restaurant, who partners with SF New Deal to cook meals for our Congregate Housing Sites Program. Guerra immigrated to San Francisco in 1989 and opened Sun Rise Restaurant in 2005. The Salvadoran eatery is located in The Mission, and doubles as a hub for local artists and community engagement.
Guerra generously shared her time, perspective, and a window into her kitchen. The following conversation has been lightly edited for clarity, first in Spanish and then translated below, in English.
¿Qué le inspiró a abrir Sun Rise Restaurant?
Cuando yo abrí Sun Rise, yo quería abrir un espacio para la comunidad donde cualquier organización sin fines de lucro tuviera un lugar para hacer sus eventos. Así deje todos los jueves para las organizaciones o para cualquier persona que necesite recoger fondos yo todos los jueves donaba el 20% de mis ventas. También los artistas del barrio - músicos poetas y muchos más - ponían sus artes en las paredes. Espero que muy pronto podemos hacerlo de nuevo [debido a Covid-19 el evento es suspendido].
Cuando mis clientes prueban la comida dicen que sientes como si estuviera comiendo la comida de la mamá o de la abuelita eso me gusta porque yo cocino con mucho amor. Los clientes son como mi familia. Todos me llaman por mi nombre.
¿Cuál es el plato más popular en el menú, y qué es un plato que recomendaría Ud.?
El plato más popular son los vegan breakfast burritos. Yo recomiendo las Pupusas - son deliciosas, tengo veganas vegetarianas y con carne.
¿Qué le gustaría que la gente de San Francisco supiera sobre Ud?
Me gustaría que supieran que soy una mujer inmigrante salvadoreña y que luchó día a día por mi familia y por seguir aquí trabajando. Aunque me subieron la renta al doble yo sigo y seguiré hasta que ya no pueda pagar la renta.
Estoy muy agradecida por ser parte de sf new deal.
Apoya Sun Rise Restaurant y ordena comida para llevar o entrega AQUÍ
All photos taken by Sun Rise Restaurant
What inspired you to open Sun Rise Restaurant?
When I opened Sun Rise, I wanted to create a space for the community where any non-profit organization could have a space to put on events. I set aside Thursdays for non-profits, or anyone who may need to raise money, and I donate 20% of my profits from that day to them. Also the neighborhood artists - musicians, poets, and much more - they showcase their art on the walls. I hope we can do it again very soon [due to Covid-19 the event is on hold].
When my customers try the food, they say that it feels as if they are eating their mother’s or grandmother’s cooking. I like that because I cook with a lot of love. My customers are like my family. All of them call me by my name.
What is the most popular dish on your menu, and what is one dish that you recommend?
The most popular dish is the vegan breakfast burritos. I recommend the pupusas - they are delicious and I have vegan, vegetarian, and meat options.
What would you like the people of San Francisco to know about you?
I would like them to know that I am a Salvadoran immigrant woman that fought day by day for my family and to continue working here. Although they doubled my rent, I continue and will continue until I can no longer pay the rent.
I am very grateful to be part of SF New Deal.
Support Sun Rise Restaurant and order takeout or delivery from Sun Rise Restaurant HERE