March 12, 2o26

A Guatemalan bakery and cafe has opened in east-central Sioux Falls.

La Huehueteca Bakery & Cafe is the creation of Miguel and Magdalena Jimenez, whose families taught them how to bake while growing up in Guatemala.

Both of them are working full time at the bakery, which is in a retail center at 2400 E. Sixth St., next to Leaders Park.

A large, self-serve bakery case takes up one long wall of the space. Over time, the shelves will be filled with additional varieties of breads and pastries, Miguel Jimenez said. There will be cookies, cakes and cupcakes, and customers will be able to special order items.

Initial offerings include breads like sourdough pirujos, which are oblong-shaped rolls, whole wheat shecas, pan de yema, or “yolk bread,” sweet bread conchas and empanadas with fillings like pineapple and sweet potato. They begin baking an hour before the business opens at 9 a.m., and different items come out of the ovens until late afternoon, Jimenez said.

La Huehueteca also serves hot foods for lunch and dinner. There are chicken burritos, tostadas and sandwiches made to order throughout the day. In the evening, the heated grab-and-go case is stocked with items like chicken-filled empanadas and hot dogs that are baked in buns.

The bakery serves Guatemalan coffee, and there is seating for about a dozen customers.

Two of the long walls are filled with artwork created by Jimenez, who said painting has been a hobby of his for more than 20 years.

The bakery’s hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Follow La Huehueteca on Facebook for updates and specials.

Couple to bring heritage of Guatemalan bakeries to city’s east side