Meet Karen Colato | Co-founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Colato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey to starting Sivar Cafe was rooted in my deep love for food, culture, and my Salvadoran heritage. When my family moved to Denver while I was in high school, I quickly realized how hard it was to find authentic Salvadoran food nearby. The closest pupuseria was 30 minutes away, turning something so popular and affordable in my culture into a rare treat. That experience planted a seed in my mind; I knew that one day, I wanted to create a business that brought those flavors closer to our community. With Sivar Cafe, my goal is not only to honor the beloved pupuserias I’ve always admired but also to share the richness of our cuisine with more people, making it a vibrant part of our local food scene.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Sivar Cafe is my way of sharing the flavors of authentic Salvadoran cuisine that I grew up with. What sets us apart from others is the family recipe that has been passed down through generations. The salsa that you get is the same salsa that I got from my godmother and my mother growing up.

What I’m most proud of is how Sivar Cafe serves as a bridge between cultures and dietary needs. Whether someone is experiencing Salvadoran cuisine for the first time or reconnecting with familiar flavors, the joy on their faces is the most rewarding part of my work. I take particular pride in offering a menu that is 100% gluten-free, along with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the authentic flavors of our heritage without compromise.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy. Starting a business required taking significant risks, learning new skills, and navigating challenges like building a customer base from the ground up. One of the biggest hurdles was balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with my personal life, but I’ve been able to overcome this by setting clear priorities and leaning on the unwavering support of my family and friends.

My partner, Odila, and I began as a catering business, and we’re now preparing to take the next big step: launching our own food truck. This new chapter is both challenging and exciting, and we’re thrilled about the opportunity to expand and share our love for Salvadoran cuisine with even more people.

What I want the world to know about Sivar Cafe is that it’s more than a catering business—it’s a celebration of Salvadoran culture. My story is one of passion, perseverance, and love for my heritage, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and take pride in their work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When my best friend visited Denver for the first time, we made sure to explore a mix of outdoor activities, culinary experiences, and the vibrant nightlife the city has to offer. We visited the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, where we learned about the historical significance of the landmark. We also took a scenic hike at The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, which was an unforgettable experience.

Our culinary adventures were just as exciting. We enjoyed burgers at Hamburger Mary’s, savored delicious Thai food at a local spot on Federal Blvd., and also homemade Salvadoran tamales at my house—bringing a taste of Sivar Cafe to the table.

We also checked out a couple of bars in downtown Denver, including Tracks and Blue Ice, where we had a great time enjoying the nightlife.

These are just a few of my recommendations—these spots are some of the local favorites, and you can always count on a fun time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family, especially my parents, Elsy and Herman Colato, and my sister Odila Colato who have been my biggest inspiration and support system. Their journey from El Salvador to the United States taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and staying connected to my roots. They showed me the importance of community and the joy of sharing our culture through food.

I would also like to thank my friends and mentors who supported me to take the leap into entrepreneurship and believed in my vision even when I had moments of doubt.

Facebook: @sivarcafe

Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556591767179

Image Credits
Karen Colato
Odila Colato
Elsy Colato