Success Story: Sobremesa Culinaria

Sobremesa Culinaria: Challenging stereotypes that oversimplify Mexican Cuisine 

Location: Central California | Stanislaus County | Modesto 

Business Type: Private Chef – Food and Hospitality 

CalOSBA Partners: Stanislaus Equity Partners 

Assistance Received: Entrepreneurial Development, Business Planning, Marketing Strategy 

California State Assembly District: 22 

California State Senate District: 4 

Visit Sobremesa Culinaria on Instagram. 

Damara Benderas, chef and owner of Sobremesa Culinaria, has built a business that celebrates the richness and complexity of Mexican cuisine. Her services go beyond private dining experiences; they include curated tastings of Mexican wines and mezcal, all paired with a deep cultural narrative, all in the comfort of one’s home. Damara’s mission is not only to share authentic flavors but also to educate others about the history and social context of Mexican food, highlighting how it has evolved and what it represents today. 

Her journey began at Modesto Junior College, where she discovered her passion for culinary arts. Initially drawn to classic French cuisine and planning an internship in France, her perspective shifted after spending six months in Mexico with her mother. Immersed in traditional foodways, she realized the resilience of Mexican culinary traditions despite modernization and U.S. influence. This experience inspired her to focus on preserving and sharing authentic regional flavors rather than pursuing opportunities abroad. Damara began traveling throughout Mexico, researching regional dishes, and creating recipes from scratch, often without modern resources. She understood that recipes carry history and social meaning, and she wanted to honor these traditions while combating cultural appropriation. 

Launching Sobremesa Culinaria was not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Damara faced was accessing accurate information about business structure and compliance. Before joining Stanislaus Equity Partners’ 6-week Entrepreneurship Cohort, the process felt overwhelming and unclear. Through STEP’s guidance, she learned essential topics such as taxes, accounting, permitting, and the legal differences between sole proprietorship and LLC. She also gained practical marketing strategies, including how to set up a Google Business account and manage her presence on Meta, which increased her visibility and outreach. 

Beyond technical knowledge, Damara emphasizes the human impact of STEP. “I felt comfortable asking questions and empowered to take small steps toward structuring my business. Most of all, I felt someone believed in me, which gave me the confidence to believe in myself,” she shared. The cultural relevance of the program was key for her. STEP created an inclusive space where entrepreneurs of all experience levels felt seen, heard, and validated. For Damara, that sense of empowerment made all the difference. 

The program’s support has led to tangible outcomes. Damara now has a solid legal structure, improved management systems, and access to a growing network of business owners. She received a free membership with the Stanislaus Latino Chamber of Commerce, expanding her connections and support system. STEP even hosted her official ribbon-cutting ceremony—a full-circle moment in her entrepreneurial journey. 

Damara hopes more Latinos, regardless of immigration status, income, education, or English proficiency, will take advantage of programs like STEP. Her story is a testament to how culturally relevant support and reliable resources can transform an idea into a thriving business. Through Sobremesa Culinaria, Damara continues to bring people together, one authentic Mexican dish at a time. 

Make sure to follow Damara and Sobremesa Culinaria on Instagram. And, if you are inspired to start or grow your business in the Stanislaus area, connect with the team at Stanislaus Equity Partners today.  

Updated: 4/1/2026