At This Phoenix Crepe Shop, Politics Are Always on the Menu

In downtown Phoenix, a restaurant born after the COVID-19 pandemic is serving crepes with a side of activism.

Local governments have created barriers between philanthropic efforts to support people in need and reductions in public assistance. At Olla Olla Crepes, owners say crepes and politics go together.

Olla Olla Crepes is a family-run restaurant specializing in crepes with a Mexican twist. By night, the shop transforms into a DIY music venue, giving local and touring bands a platform and building community.

LOOKOUT writer McKinlee Madison Mers spoke with owner and head chef Joy Sanjuanero while she was preparing for the restaurant’s recurring event, “Too Spicey for Icey.” The event features about 30 vendors and local bands and raises money to support Arizona families affected by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Olla Olla has raised funds and provided food support for families affected by reductions in food assistance programs in Arizona. The restaurant has also featured limited-edition themed crepes, including one inspired by Palestine.

After attending one of the restaurant’s benefit events, Mers wanted to learn what drives its push for local change and, as Sanjuanero describes it, “a safe, open space.”

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

McKinlee Madison Mers (LOOKOUT): I heard you recently moved. How’s it going?

Sanjuanero: It’s been going good. It was a transition point where we had to figure out equipment, the move and the new layout, and just get our bearings. We’re very grateful a lot of band members and the local community worked with us through the transition and were patient. We’ve finally found our footing.

LOOKOUT: How did Olla Olla first become involved in hosting benefit shows?

Sanjuanero: It wasn’t long after we opened. We started with crepes, but we were approached early on about using our space. Eventually, it became such a big thing that we created a formal process so people could book us.

Benefit shows are clearly structured. Everyone knows what it means, the expectations and what we are trying to accomplish.

More than anything, we want to be an open space for everybody. There are no exceptions. We do not tolerate hate or prejudice. If we see that, people are banned. It is about providing a safe space and having a good time.

LOOKOUT: What made Olla Olla decide to step in and help people? I saw on Instagram you’ve done food drives for families affected by cuts to food assistance programs in Arizona.

Sanjuanero: We were raised in a family that gives back. We always knew we were in a more privileged position, and that comes with responsibility.

We are not afraid to talk about politics. People say you should not mix business and politics, but the economy and politics are so intertwined. Trying to avoid that is hurting businesses, families and communities. We are open about supporting and giving back.

LOOKOUT: From the perspective of a small business helping the community, do you feel Arizona leaders are doing enough? If not, what could they do better?

Sanjuanero: There are community members doing good work, and I do not want to discount that. But there is still a lot of room for growth and improvement.

We cannot let up just because some leaders are doing work. We need to keep talking about these issues so pressure does not drop. Small business owners should stay vocal about the ongoing need for leadership to address community needs.

LOOKOUT: Do you feel being a small business comes with greater responsibility to help the community?

Sanjuanero: I do. Small businesses rely heavily on the local community. Every person who comes in, I am grateful for. Not giving back would not be okay.

LOOKOUT: Have you faced backlash because of your politics?

Sanjuanero: Sure. We have had some rude passersby who have made comments about the LGBTQ+ community, and I am part of it, so I have no tolerance for that.

But for the most part, the community has been supportive. We are helping uplift vulnerable communities and give them a space, and that is important.

LOOKOUT: How do you think the community you serve responds to your work?

Sanjuanero: People are grateful. They thank us and help maintain the space because they know how important it is. We have had a lot of vocal supporters.

LOOKOUT: How does it feel to be an open space welcoming everyone?

Sanjuanero: It feels really good. I did not always grow up knowing where I would be welcome. I do not want anyone to feel that way here. I want everyone to feel like this is their space and they can be fully themselves.

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