Opening a restaurant is never easy. Opening a restaurant at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic? Nearly impossible. But for Copal, a passion project years in the making, there was no turning back.

The vision was clear—a space that authentically showcased the warmth, flavors, and traditions of Oaxaca in the heart of Santa Cruz. Stuyvie Bearns Esteva and Noelle Antolin, owners of Lúpulo Craft Beer House, had spent years dreaming up the concept alongside Chef Ana Mendoza, a master of traditional Oaxacan cuisine. Together, they envisioned a place where guests could experience the depth of Oaxacan flavors—handmade tortillas, rich moles, and mezcal-soaked nights.

A Dream Delayed but Not De.

As Copal prepared to open its doors, March 2020 brought the world to a halt. Restaurants shut down overnight. Uncertainty loomed. The Copal team had to make a tough choice: delay their long-awaited launch or find a way to adapt. They chose the latter.

With indoor dining out of the question, the team pivoted to takeout and delivery, but there was a major challenge: Copal had been designed as an immersive dining experience, not a takeout spot. They had no system in place to handle online orders, deliveries, or digital menus.

That’s where Fonda came in.

How Fonda Helped Copal Navigate the Crisis

As a new restaurant without a strong digital presence, Copal needed to get orders in—fast. Fonda stepped in to:

✅ Launch an online storefront – Giving customers an easy way to browse the menu and place orders.

✅ Set up delivery options – Allowing Copal to reach customers beyond just takeout.

✅ Optimize menu visibility – Helping showcase their signature dishes, from Mole Negro to Tlayudas.

✅ Streamline operations – Reducing manual order-taking and improving efficiency.

With these tools, Copal started receiving orders within days, keeping the kitchen busy and bringing their Oaxacan flavors to the Santa Cruz community—despite the lockdown.

A Testament to Perseverance

The road wasn’t easy. Opening during the pandemic meant constantly adjusting to new restrictions, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer habits. But through resilience, adaptation, and the support of platforms like Fonda, Copal not only survived—it thrived.

Today, Copal stands as a beloved staple in Santa Cruz, known for its deep-rooted flavors, warm hospitality, and unwavering commitment to authenticity. What began as a struggle has turned into a success story, proving that with passion, perseverance, and the right tools, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

🍽️ Visit Copal and experience the taste of Oaxaca, no passport required.