Enjoy an incredible variety of sweet and savory dishes from 14+ local food businesses, a mix of current entrepreneurs and successful alumni from Crossroads’ TPSS Community Kitchen. From Latin American staples like pupusas, tacos, and empanadas to rich Ethiopian and Peruvian stews and gourmet mac-n-cheese, there is truly something for everyone. Save room for dessert with decadent baked goods, handcrafted cotton candy, and unique Haitian sweets, all paired perfectly with locally roasted Guatemalan coffee. Come hungry and celebrate the innovative flavors of our community!
About Crossroads:
Crossroads provides affordable kitchen space and free, bilingual business support to equip food entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit TPSS Community Kitchen and Microenterprise Development Program. This fair is not just about delicious food; it’s a chance to support local businesses and celebrate food justice in action.
Join Us for a Celebration of Food and Community!
What: The 5th Annual Crossroads Community Food Fair!
When: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10am – 2pm
Where: Laurel Ave. @ Carroll Ave. Takoma Park MD
Come for the food, stay for the live music and free face painting. See you there!
Rain or shine!
Meet and support these hyper-local food makers!
Alcoba Coffee
Locally roasted Guatemalan coffeeAn agronomist turned urban farmer and herbalist, Alcoba Coffee founder Jose Castillo was born in Guatemala and has called Maryland home for the past 40 years. Alcoba Coffee is a true family business; the beans are sourced from the Jalapa Mountain Range in Guatemala, where his brother, Donaldo, tends the fertile, volcanic soil. Once the beans are shipped to the United States, he personally peels and roasts them to perfection. Their coffee is available in medium, dark, and mixed roasts.
Aleras Table
Scratch-made, macro-balanced ready-to-eat entréesAleras Table is a premium, chef-led meal preparation and catering service dedicated to supporting high-performing professionals and their families through therapeutic, blood sugar-balanced nutrition. Born as the wellness-focused evolution of the beloved ButterQueen Bakery by founder Shai Sumpter and rooted in a philosophy of ‘Food as Medicine,’ Aleras Table bridges the gap between clinical nutrition and global culinary inspiration.
Believe N Bread
Organic, vegan quick breads and other baked goods Tracey A. Tucker founded Believe N Bread (BNB) in 2017 to merge her passion for organic baking with a commitment to accessible, dairy-free products. Born from a dream and a mission to serve those with dairy sensitivities, BNB specializes in high-quality, vegan breads that never compromise on flavor. Their guiding philosophy is simple: “It’s Bread, Not Cake.”
Cookie YAY
Daddy daughter baked goods companyCookie YAY is a Daddy and daughter all-natural, small-batch baked goods company dedicated to funding the development of young entrepreneurs. The idea was born when an 11-year-old daughter asked her father to help her create a cookie company during the height of the pandemic. Dad Yusef Battle, wanting his daughters to develop entrepreneurial skills, went to task. A portion of all proceeds funds the development of other young entrepreneurs
Dolmama
Turkish mezzes and main dishesGrowing up surrounded by the aromas and tastes of her grandmother’s and mother’s cooking, Dolmama’s founder, Gözde Yıldırım, cultivated a deep connection to her heritage. Dolmama brings authentic Turkish flavors to your kitchen, offering a delightful blend of tradition and innovation through cherished family recipes.
El Sol
Traditional Guatemalan pupusas Originally from Guatemala, Candy El Cid has been making food in this country for many years. Her restaurant, El Sol, used to be in Silver Spring, and now she runs the same operation out of a food truck. She has also sold her pupusas, other savory dishes, and fresh fruit drinks for nearly two decades at Crossroads Farmers Market.
Ethiopian Delights
Convenient and authentic packaged traditional dishes Forget about the hassle of sourcing rare ingredients or spending hours in the kitchen. With Ethiopian Delights, you can enjoy the exquisite taste of Ethiopia in minutes. Each bite is a celebration of cultural legacy and a love of flavorful meals. By making the recipes that her family passed down to her, Beza Bisrat feels more in tune with her heritage while living far from home.
Fritters and Roast
Nigerian street food and fresh juices Fritters and Roast is redefining Nigerian street food for the health-conscious palate. Founded by Oluwatobi (Tobi) Osobukola-Abubu, the venture specializes in vegan, nutrient-dense Nigerian finger foods, perfect for a quick takeout meal or a vibrant spread for large gatherings. Tobi recently introduced a refreshing line of signature juices, featuring bold Pineapple Hibiscus and Watermelon Hibiscus blends.
GrainBooster
Whole grains and seeds smoothie mix-in After Angelica Velez’s husband managed a chronic condition through a diet of whole grains and seeds, she realized how vital and inaccessible convenient nutrition can be. She founded GrainBooster to bridge that gap by offering a 100% natural nutty blend for effortless no-cook smoothies and snacks. Today GrainBooster supports everyone from athletes to busy professionals in prioritizing their health without sacrificing time or flavor.
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Jalapeño Mexican Grill
Authentic Mexican dishes and custom cateringCiro Fernandez and Araceli Lara, owners of Jalapeño Mexican Grill, consider themselves a classic mom-and-pop operation. They make authentic Mexican food as you might see on the street or in a white-tablecloth restaurant in Puebla or Veracruz, sourcing fresh ingredients in season from local farmers, and most spices and seasonings come from Mexico.
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JIGA Sweets
From Haïti to DC, homemade Caribbean treatsVanessa Roy, a seasoned chemical and food processing engineer with over 25 years of industry experience, discovered her true passion: creating artisanal sweets. This love for confections led her to establish Les Bonbons JIGA Haiti, a gourmet confectionery brand that served local retail stores in her native Haiti. After relocating from DC, she founded JIGA Sweets and produces a diverse range of jams, jellies, candies, and other sweets that showcase vibrant Caribbean flavors.
Little Bites
Sweet and savory Peruvian treats Little Bites is a small catering company specializing in authentic Peruvian appetizers and desserts, alongside select Mexican favorites. Serving private and corporate events across the DMV, owner Miriam Perlacio oversees every detail with a commitment to culinary excellence. Her mission is to provide personalized, professional service that exceeds her clients’ expectations through a dedicated, hands-on approach.
Spun
Cotton candy art Jessica Powell of Spun Cotton Candy Art has vivid childhood memories of sugary pink clouds floating on white paper cones. Whether at Coney Island or the “Happiest Place on Earth,” cotton candy was the greatest treat of all: a rare confection, magical and oh-so-sweet smelling! Her team of talented Cotton Candy Artists has reimagined those beautiful “clouds.” Today, they bring joy to events throughout the country by delighting guests and spinning our signature jumbo cones, animals, and other fun shapes in cotton candy form.
Thomas Thyme
Versatile catering and must-try mac-n-cheeseFrom a lifelong home cook to a professional chef, Thomas Squire turned his post-grad experiments into the thriving culinary brand Thomas Thyme. Known for his engaging cooking demos, Thomas is a frequent guest expert on Good Morning Washington and Good Day DC. His recent highlights include catering for Bravo’s Married to Medicine during their stay in the capital for the historic 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.
