Background on Juan José Sánchez Martínez
Juan José Sánchez Martínez, the president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Condiment Industry in Puebla, has been instrumental in recognizing the growing importance of culinary corridors in revitalizing previously residential areas.
Current Situation and Plans
With the expansion of residential areas in Puebla’s periphery, including conurbated municipios, the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Condiment Industry (Canirac) identified an opportunity to establish two additional culinary corridors, bringing the total to nine by 2026.
Sánchez Martínez noted that the south and west areas of Angelópolis have experienced increased mobility, leading to the opening of small commercial plazas with fast-food franchises. However, his members are eager to invest in full-service restaurants.
Potential for Culinary Success
He believes that Puebla’s gastronomy will be well-received in these zones, just as it has been in existing culinary corridors. These areas initially required a trial period before achieving prominence, particularly for weekend dining.
Sánchez Martínez explained that the variety offered by restaurants attracts diners, making it feasible for them to visit these establishments.
Beyond Fast Food
On weekends, families seek more than just fast food; they desire traditional Puebla cuisine, which Sánchez Martínez’s members aim to provide through their restaurant branches.
He emphasized that culinary corridors have become significant, as they economically revitalize previously residential areas and even attract investments from other services.
Since the initiation of these corridors 13 years ago, more local establishments have opened for restaurants. Tourists now prefer these corridors over dining in the Historic Center.
Future Prospects
Given the current scenario, Sánchez Martínez is optimistic about the successful implementation of these culinary corridors by 2026. Accessible rents and available commercial plazas in the target zones make this expansion possible.
He added that these developments would generate stable jobs for local residents.
Currently, 30,000 individuals are employed in Puebla’s restaurant sector. The industry has recovered 50% of the jobs lost during the two-year pandemic.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are culinary corridors? Culinary corridors are strategically planned areas that promote the development of restaurants and food services, revitalizing previously residential zones.
- Why are culinary corridors important for Puebla? These corridors have economically revitalized areas that were once solely residential, attracting investments from various services and creating job opportunities for local residents.
- How many culinary corridors are planned for Puebla by 2026? There will be a total of nine culinary corridors in Puebla by 2026, with two additional ones planned for the south and west areas.
- What types of establishments are being targeted for these corridors? The focus is on full-service restaurants offering both Puebla’s traditional cuisine and international options.
- How will these culinary corridors impact employment? The development of these corridors is expected to create stable jobs for local residents.
