What began as a fun side project inspired by San Diego street tacos has blossomed into a thriving restaurant in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Cultura CDA LLC opened its doors at 155 W. Neider in October.
Co-founder Steven Sanchez recalls starting with a small farmers market venture. “It was just for fun,” he says. He and his wife, Danni, didn’t expect their simple family project to grow so quickly.
Originally, Cultura set up at Coeur d’Alene’s Silver Lake Mall, serving refreshing aguas frescas—a light, nonalcoholic drink made from fruits and organic cane sugar. They quickly discovered a passion for traditional flavors, especially after introducing their pork al pastor, cooked on a trompo, a unique vertical rotisserie.
Sanchez notes, “We filled a void we didn’t know was there.” The response was overwhelming, with both locals and tourists flocking to try their offerings.
Building on that success, they launched a food truck, operating it 40 hours a week. “I fell in love with the community,” Sanchez reflects. He enjoyed engaging with customers, moving away from a solitary media job.
By mid-August, they leased a larger building and invested $60,000 in remodeling. “Everything just lined up perfectly,” he says about the location, foot traffic, and drive-thru options.
When Cultura officially opened on October 25, the response was enthusiastic. Their menu features authentic street-style tacos, like the slow-roasted al pastor taco, famous among regulars. Other favorites include the O.G. Taco, 619 Burrito, Baja fish tacos, and The Rudy Dog—an all-beef hot dog wrapped in bacon and topped with beans and fresh pico de gallo.
Cultura’s approach isn’t just about food. They build genuine relationships with their customers. Sanchez shares, “We know them by name, what their kids are up to. It’s different here. We call ourselves a taco ministry.” He aims for nine locations, focusing on ownership over franchising, inspired by other successful entrepreneurs.
As of now, Cultura employs seven people and is open Tuesday through Saturday, serving the community with love and delicious food.
In related news, a few new establishments are also making their mark:
- Sahara Pizza has opened in Hayden, offering a variety of pizza options from its Lake Stevens, Washington-based franchise.
- Maria’s Taqueria is planning to open in Spokane Valley in early 2026, promising authentic Mexican meals and drinks.
This growth in local eateries highlights a vibrant food scene, with joint ventures like Cultura leading the way in community engagement and culinary delight.
For more insights on the culinary business landscape, you can check out the National Restaurant Association.
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