When the roots run deep the branches grow wider. That’s exactly what’s happening with Arteaga’s Food Center in Newark.
Arteaga’s has been the go-to grocery store for the Mexican, Latin and food-loving communities alike. Founder Alfredo Lopez opened the first store in Newark in 1993 and has since expanded to eight locations around the Bay Area. Now, the expansion has grown in a different direction.
In 2025, Arteaga’s team spotted an opportunity for the Newark location when a storefront, only three doors down, became vacant.
“We’ve always wanted to expand because [with the Newark location], it’s a tiny store and the community here in Newark is so big,” said Gabriela Lopez, executive assistant and granddaughter of founder Alfredo Lopez.
From the moment the 1400-square-foot shop became available, the team knew a panadería—or Mexican bakery—was the next endeavor for Arteaga’s grocery expansion. “There was never anything that we were considering besides a [panadería],” said Gabriela.
The immense task of turning the cold storefront into a vibrant, welcoming shop was given to Ariana Lopez, another grandchild of the founder, and sister of Gabriela.
“My dad gave me this opportunity, like ‘I have a project for you, we have this new spot, come up with a business idea,’” said Ariana.
Ariana began to study panaderías, collecting photos while in Mexico for inspiration. When gathering materials she was adamant about using local vendors, including Enriquez Creations furniture store in Niles. “Everybody was so helpful. They were so excited to show us different pieces,” said Ariana. From the tile-topped tables in the front of the store, the arched wall niches and ceiling covered in greenery, Ariana based all her design choices on the perfect blend of Mexican traditional details and modern flare.
Behind the counter, divine timing brought the head baker into the mix. While Pan y Café was staying under wraps as long as it could, an Arteaga’s employee mentioned a close friend was coming to the states who was a baker in Mexico.
The team taste-tested his works and knew instantly that their search for a head baker was over. Not only was the timing perfect, but his skill and knowledge of authentic Mexican breadmaking was a showstopper for the team. “I can admit that the conchas I’ve had growing up tasted nothing like the conchas he’s made for me,” said Gabriela. “It’s like he’s still connected to the traditional way.”
What’s special about his process is the use of a butter base instead of an oil base. “[In the US] you see a lot of oil because it’s easier to produce. But he takes his time to do everything from scratch with butter in his dough,” said Gabriela. “Customers have said you can really taste the difference, so we’re really proud of that.”
From the churro to ham and swiss croissants, the bread holds the perfect combination of a soft, buttery center and crispy, flakey shell.
To pair with the store’s pastries, perfecting the drink menu was an important task, and the Lopez sisters brought in the whole family to help. Cousins, uncles and aunts not only taste-tested drinks, but took meticulous notes of each potential drink option before it went on the board.
“We spent a whole week going through every single individual’s notes—‘too strong, too nutty’—every single detail,” said Gabriela. “We spent countless hours figuring it out. We probably had at least 50 people [taking notes].”
Once the menu was perfected and the storefront was finalized, Pan y Café held their soft opening on Feb. 9, 2026. However, as quiet as the Lopezes tried to keep it, the community was eager to see Arteaga’s new branch open.
“We were trying for a very soft opening, not telling anybody,” said Gabriela. “But I think everyone was so excited by our doors finally being open that day two hit and we were slammed out the door.”
The official grand opening was on March 27. Although the store’s team is getting settled into their new day-to-day routine, the Lopez sisters continue to look to the community for inspiration and feedback.
“I know [store director] Erika [Yanez] is a big advocate for [talking to the community] and becoming friends with every customer that walks in the door, asking them, ‘How did you like the coffee today?’” said Gabriela. “If they’re willing to share what they think, that’s just the only way we can grow.”
Even a few months out from their soft opening, it seems as though Pan y Café has stood in the space for years. The Lopez sisters know that the work their grandfather started over 30 years ago, building the store’s foundation and community, is the main reason for the continued success of Arteaga’s expansion.
“It’s nice to see the community that’s been around from [my grandpa’s] period of time, and what my grandpa had initially started, being brought to what we’re starting with our generation,” said Gabriela. “It’s [been] a big circle moment for us.”
Pan y Café by Arteaga’s
6am – 9pm
5566 Thornton Ave., Newark
panycafebyarteagas.com
