When it comes to traditional recipes, grandma always knows best. Eder Rivas, a 100% full-blooded Salvadorian runs one of a few authentic Salvadoran food trucks in Orange County, Calif., using his   grandmother’s recipes. For the last 4 years he and his wife, Stephanie, have served up traditional curtido, a fermented Salvadoran slaw similar to sauerkraut, and pupusas, which are a thick flatbread that’s been declared the country’s national dish and even has a specific day to celebrate it. Eder explains how they made it through the pandemic with Stephanie’s creative ideas that they’re still using today.

What inspired you to get into foodservice?

“The love of my culture and keeping my grandparents recipes alive is what inspired me to start my catering business.”

What do you love about your business?

“I love that I get to share my Salvadorian roots with everyone who comes to my business. Whether they hire us for a private party or take one of my pupusa making class or come to one of our pop-ups. Pupusas are meant for everyone to try. I also love that I carry my family’s traditions and get to work alongside my wife.”

What’s the most interesting thing to happen to your business?

“The coolest thing about my business is that I’ve met so many awesome people that have really became like family. They treat us with love and openness.”

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

“I think this can go for a lot of people, but the pandemic!! Never in our lives did we think we could survive a global pandemic and make it out on the other side. With the creativeness of my wife, we had to pivot how we run a business. We did online classes and partnered with local breweries to do to-go food. It was a crazy time and we’re still feeling the wrath of it now.”

Which Cambro products help make your business work?

“ALL OF THEM. We religiously use the hot boxes for catering and transportation. Our fridges are stocked with all the square and round storage containers to keep our salsa and curtido fresh. We use the translucent food pans for our cheeses. And the Camtainers® for beverages.”

About What’s That You’re Cookin

Location: Orange County, Calif.

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