Open for Business!

El Tepetate Market is a hidden gem located in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood! This locally owned and operated market has been providing food and household items to the neighborhood since 1998. 

Owners Jesus and Maria Vasquez first arrived in Colorado in 1984 with dreams of opening their own store, similar to the one Jesus’ father owned in his hometown of Zacatecas, Mexico. 

“I’ve always wanted to open my own store in this neighborhood because I feel that the things I sell are perfect for the Hispanic community,” said Jesus. 

El Tepetate Market is stocked with Hispanic comfort foods, common grocery store goods and even CDs of your favorite Hispanic musicians. Visitors can also wire money to their loved ones in Mexico. 

“My store is affordable because I love being able to help my community,” said Jesus.

Next time you are in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood, stop by El Tepetate Market and you’ll find exactly what you need — and more!

You can access El Tepetate Market from Thompson Court and 46th South Avenue.
Location: 4555 Thompson Court
Hours of operation: Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., closed on Sundays
Phone: (303) 308-1613

Tattoos help illustrate a person’s personal story and experiences. In the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood, Hard Knocks Tattoo Parlor & Supply Co. has been helping people tell their stories with tattoos since early 2020. 

The Hard Knocks Tattoo Parlor & Supply Co., located off 46th Avenue and Josephine Street adjacent to the old I-70 viaduct, offers custom tattoos, piercings, and permanent makeup. Although this business is new, owners Shawn, “Halo the Prophet,” and Lou, “Mr. Hard Knocks,” have a combined 30 years of experience. 

“Overall, Hard Knocks Tattoo Parlor & Supply Co. loves this community and being in this area -- we put all of our love into this place,” said Halo the Prophet. “We are optimistic for good changes in this area.” 

Both artists have several other enterprises in the works, including a clothing line and music studio.  

If you have had a tattoo or piercing in mind, make an appointment by calling (303) 587-8628, emailing [email protected], or visiting facebook.com/Hardknockstattooparlor. 

Residents from the 80216 zip code automatically receive a 30% discount on tattoos and piercings!

Location: 2330 East 46th Ave.
Hours of operation: Monday - Sunday, noon-8 p.m.

Tacos La Tapatia is a new restaurant featuring Mexican cuisine, thriving in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood. Transitioning from a tiny food cart outside of Coors Field, to saving up for a food truck, to opening his first restaurant, owner Oscar Perez and his wife, Rocio Aguilera, have done it all. 

Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Oscar has incorporated his culture and customs through his food and throughout his restaurant. Displaying original paintings and artwork from Guadalajara, Oscar has developed an unforgettably authentic dining experience.  

Opening in May 2019, Tacos La Tapatia instantly became known around the state of Colorado. “We have people driving from Fort Collins to try our food,” said Oscar.

Tacos La Tapatia offers a range of Mexican cuisine, including tacos de barbacoa, a type of taco with slow-cooked beef, a tortilla shell fried in the juices from the beef and a delicious dipping sauce to top it off! Check out all their services on Facebook, Instagram and their website.

“Our food is unique, and everyone should try it,” said Oscar. “We are sure to see you more than once.” 

Location: 4535 Thompson Court
Hours of Operations: Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., closed Sundays
Phone: (720) 573-8692

Wireless telecommunications have become the easiest way to stay connected in the world of advancing and innovative technology. Over the years, Boost Mobile at the Josephine Shopping Center has made it their mission to keep the Elyria-Swansea community connected by offering wireless network and internet services.

Customers can choose from a large phone selection and can receive a new Samsung Galaxy A12 just for switching to their services! Boost Mobile also offers other promotions such as, if you buy one phone, you can get another phone for free, and for just $40 per month, customers can get unlimited data, talk and text. You can check out all of their services and promotions on their website and Facebook page. 

For the owners of Boost Mobile, it’s more than just a job, it’s about continuing to provide ways for the community to stay connected for years to come. 

Location: 2334 E. 46th Ave.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 303-298-1704

Carniceria Sanchez is a local meat market located in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood. For the past eight years, this woman-owned-and-operated shop has provided fresh meats and produce to the surrounding neighborhood. 

Owner Maria Carmen Montoya originally opened the shop back in 2013 to be closer to her son who owns the restaurant next door, Casa de Sanchez Panadería y Restaurante. Maria has a true passion for providing fresh meats for her community.

“Everyone should come to my store because I have fresh, good quality food that isn’t pre-packaged like big corporations,” said Maria.

Carniceria Sanchez offers a variety of products in addition to fresh meats and produce, ranging from Hispanic comfort foods to household necessities including light bulbs, payment of internet cable and piñatas. Customers even have the option to send money to loved ones in Mexico. 

“The customer is always right, and I will serve them right,” said Maria. 

Stop by Carniceria Sanchez to check out their selection of fresh meats and produce next time you are near the Elyria-Swansea area.

Location: 2630 E 46th Ave.
Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
Phone: (303) 295-1156

Casa de Sanchez Panadería y Restaurante, located at 46th Avenue and Thompson Court, has offered Mexican dishes, aguas frescas (fresh waters) and homemade bread to the Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods for nearly nine years.

Founder of Casa de Sanchez Panadería y Restaurante, Victor Sanchez, first began with selling homemade bread by traveling door-to-door to residents in the Swansea neighborhood. After selling bread for many years, Sanchez decided to expand his business and open a restaurant in 1995.

Victor Sanchez' youngest son, Luis Gerardo Sanchez, fell in love with the art of baking and cooking. Luis wanted to continue his father’s legacy and decided to take over the family business in 2012. Luis and his wife Blanca specialize in Mexican-style style dishes such as gorditas and bread for the people in Denver.

“We are a very traditional family and love making food. We pride ourselves on providing that comforting home feeling, a feeling that helps you remember where you are from,” says Blanca. 

Next time you are in Elyria-Swansea and looking for a place to pick up a warm bowl of menudo, a plate of green enchiladas or aguas frescas, stop by Casa de Sanchez Panadería y Restaurante.

Location: 2630 East 46th Ave.
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday, closed Wednesdays, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday
Phone: (303) 333-0307

ECP Auto Salvage and Repair has provided top-quality automotive repair and maintenance services for more than five years in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood. Located off of 46th South Avenue, this locally owned shop can help you with general mechanic services, tune-ups, brake replacements, oil changes and specialized automotive car parts. Customers can also sell cars or automotive parts they no longer wish to keep.  

“Fixing cars is more than just a job,” said Edgar Saenz, founder of ECP Auto Salvage and Repair. “For me, it is like playing basketball. I love doing it and helping my community get around...we are easy to work with and repair cars quickly.”

Emerging himself in his work, Edgar has transformed his business into a friendly and reliable establishment that has become very valuable to the surrounding community. So next time you need to take your car into the shop, consider ECP Auto Salvage and Repair for all your automotive needs.

Location: 2600 E. 46th Ave.
Hours of operation: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 720-451-6259

Panaderia Juanita’s has been providing homemade bread and grocery goods for the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood since 1997.

Owner Tony Uribe says, “I love being so close to Swansea Elementary School. For many years the students from the school have stopped by my store for sweets. It makes me happy to see the kids enjoying our baked goods.”

Panaderia Juanita’s serves up Mexican-style sweet bread, which is homemade by Tony and his wife, Lilia Uribe. They learned how to make this cultural bread through a family friend prior to opening their store, and it’s been a hit ever since.

Next time you are in Elyria-Swansea stop by Panaderia Juanita’s to try a Mexican-style sweet bread or a cold beverage!

Location: 2322 East 46th Ave.
Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Phone Number: 303-298-8234