A Door-to-Door Bread Seller’s Dream Finds a New Home in Comstock Park

*Blaymiro Rodas started selling bread from his car in October 2009. He went door to door through Hispanic neighborhoods around Grand Rapids. Fourteen years later, his family’s bakery has a storefront of its own in Comstock Park*.

Mi Bella Guatemala Store recently relocated to 3728 Alpine Ave. NW, according to an mlive report by Isaac Ritchey. The family moved from their previous location at the corner of Fulton Street and Fuller Avenue in Grand Rapids, where they operated for four years.

"Mostly we moved here because of the location," said Josue Rodas, who translated for his parents and co-owners Blaymiro Rodas and Alba Rodas. "On Fulton, there was less parking. It was a good area, there just wasn’t a lot of parking."

The new Alpine Avenue location sits about 15 minutes from the former storefront, the Grand Rapids Press Wire reported. The family cited better parking and expanded space as the primary reasons for the move.

From Guatemala to Kalamazoo County

Blaymiro Rodas immigrated to the United States in 1998 to pursue greater opportunities, according to the mlive article. He experienced widespread poverty and the lasting effects of civil conflict while growing up in Guatemala. Before moving to the U.S., he served in the military, worked as a police officer, and competed as a prolific scorer in a local Hispanic soccer league.

He learned baking basics from a Mexican baker while living in Guatemala. Over time, he refined his own recipes and developed the flavors that now define the family business.

"A lot of people that come here are surprised because there’s not really a lot of Guatemalan stuff here in Michigan," Josue Rodas told mlive.

What the Bakery Sells

The store bakes its goods in-house daily. The menu includes:

  • Traditional Guatemalan breads and pastries
  • Churros with fillings like caramel, cream cheese, chocolate, apple, and guava
  • Custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, and graduations
  • Tres leches cake and "carlotas," layered cup desserts with cake, frosting, and fruit
  • Guatemalan tamales made with rice-based dough and served with chicken or pork in a rich sauce

The tamales draw particular attention on Saturdays, when customers line up for the traditional dish. The Guatemalan version differs from Mexican-style tamales, which use corn masa. The family’s version uses rice-based dough, according to the mlive report.

"People are surprised when they find out everything is baked here," Josue Rodas said. "They can taste how fresh it is."

The store also accepts large custom orders for community events. Customers can order boxes of 100 pieces of bread or more, according to the Grand Rapids Press Wire.

A Cultural Hub for Latin American Families

The store serves as both a neighborhood bakery and a cultural hub for Latin American customers seeking a taste of home, the mlive article noted. Alba Rodas oversees customer service, inventory, and daily operations. Josue helps prepare bread and pastries alongside his father.

The family offers free samples to customers as a tradition. New breads and pastries are regularly featured in a showcase near the front of the store.

"The bread is where we like to try new things," Josue Rodas said. "We’re always testing different recipes."

The family expressed gratitude to the customers who supported the bakery during its four years at the Fulton Street location, the Press Wire reported.

Hours and Contact

Mi Bella Guatemala Store operates on the following schedule:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed

The store can be reached at (616) 278-3147 for special cake orders, according to the mlive article. Customers can also find the store on Instagram.