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Community gathers to celebrate La Morenita’s anniversary and renovation
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WASHINGTON — Confetti burst into the unseasonably warm December air Tuesday, Dec. 23 outside La Morenita Tienda y Taqueria as the community cheered on business owner Nora Villacorta. Seven years after opening its doors, the small, family-run shop marked both an anniversary and a long-awaited renovation with a ribbon cutting that felt like a celebration of heritage, community and hard-work.
The celebration reflected what La Morenita has become over seven years: part grocery store, part restaurant and part meeting place for a growing and diverse community.
“I like their food here,” Washington resident Mike Zahs said as he moved through the store, stopping to point out items that caught his eye.
He lifted a glass jar filled with pale blossoms floating in brine and showed it to anyone nearby. The jar of squash blossoms, he said, was something he would love to use, the kind of ingredient he did not expect to find in Washington but now knew where to get.
Owner Nora Villacorta moved constantly through the space, greeting customers by name, switching easily between Spanish and English. She paused only briefly to reflect on the moment.
“I cannot complain,” she said, smiling as music played behind her. “God is good.”
The ribbon cutting brought together leaders who had watched the business grow through setbacks and persistence.
“It is our honor to celebrate Nora and La Morenita for their expansion,” Washington Chamber of Commerce Director Michelle Redlinger said, addressing the crowd before the scissors snipped the ribbon.
Main Street Washington Director Samantha Meyer followed, speaking about the path to the renovation.
“Nora wanted to expand her restaurant and her store, and that did not go smoothly,” she said. “Through trials and tribulations she persevered and we are just happy we can help her with a partnership with the city and Main Street. There still is more to come, but this is amazing.”
Inside the shop, employees brought out trays of tamales and bowls of guacamole, while steam rose from a large pot of pozole. The celebration stretched on as people lingered, sampling dishes and talking about favorite meals. Spanish music played steadily, giving the afternoon a festive rhythm.
Chamber Ambassador Joe Nichols happily waited for the food to be served after the ribbon cutting and confetti pop.
“We don’t tend to go out very much, but when we do, we eat here,” he said. “I really like the flautas but the girls really like the steak tacos.”
The renovation that prompted the celebration took about three months, Villacorta said, expanding both the grocery and restaurant areas. Main Street supported the project with a $25,000 Downtown Investment Grant, according to Meyer. Most of the construction is complete, with seating and exterior signage still to come. A few tables inside already allow customers to eat in, while to-go orders remain a mainstay.
“I think, aside from the grant, she didn't take out the loan,” Meyer said. “So, she’s been saving because it is her seven year anniversary. She’s literally been saving because she knew she wanted to do something like this and she just worked her butt off this whole time to do it. We’re really happy to see it done and happy to see such a great crowd. Hopefully there are some people that have never been in here before that are going to take home some food with them.”
Meyer gestured toward the shelves as she spoke, pointing out what sets the store apart.
“Her spice section and fresh food sections are really good,” she said. “If you need avocados and really anything if you’re making tacos or something, just stop here and get it because she’s got cheese if you want cheese and everything else.” She paused, then added, “Nora has really grown and she is the heart of this whole thing.”
Even with the added square footage, Villacorta said the space already feels tight again, though she believes some rearranging could help.
“It is very exciting,” she said, looking around the store as customers filled the aisles.
For Villacorta, La Morenita fills a specific role in Washington that goes beyond food.
“We’re authentic, and I have the ingredients that not everybody has,” she said.
Central American roots shape both the grocery offerings and the menu, reflecting flavors from El Salvador and the wider region. She sees the shop as a gathering place for Salvadoran, Honduran and Guatemalan families in the area, as well as a welcoming introduction for anyone curious about the food.
That sense of welcome shows in small details: bilingual menus, staff who speak both Spanish and English, and the way Villacorta greets nearly everyone who walks through the door. She works seven days a week, she said, not out of obligation but out of affection for what she has built.
“I work seven days a week because I like it,” she said. “It’s not like coming to work because I just love what I do.”
As part of the celebration, Villacorta expressed her deep gratitude. She looked out over customers, family members and staff who helped carry the business through seven years.
“I want to show my appreciation, joy and gratitude,” she said. “I would like to thank our community, thanks for supporting our small family run business throughout this year. I have enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you. Many of you have become like a part of our family. Secondly, I would like to thank my family for their sacrifice. And lastly, but not least, our staff. These are the primary people behind an important team that help create the love of food and welcoming environment. Thank you, all of you, for being with us for the last seven years. We would not be here without any of you. We look forward to many years to come. I thank God every day.”
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
