Longtime Fiesta torta booth relocates to State Street after leaving Mercado

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A familiar Fiesta food tradition is moving to a new location this year.

For decades, many Fiesta-goers have associated the popular tri-tip torta stand with La Casa de la Raza at El Mercado in Plaza De La Guerra. This year, the booth will instead be located at 409 State Street, where it is scheduled to open Thursday.

The booth is now operated by Jaqui Inda, who runs the Restorative Justice Education Center.

Inda said she was never given the opportunity to apply for a booth space at El Mercado this year. She said the former location will instead become a new beer garden.

Despite the change in location, Inda said volunteers will continue serving the booth's signature tri-tip tortas throughout Fiesta.

According to Inda, proceeds from the booth will support community programs through the Restorative Justice Education Center.

Organizers are also encouraging community members to bring bags of groceries filled with basic necessities. They say each grocery donation can be exchanged for two carnitas tacos, with the donated items going toward helping families in need.

The relocated torta booth is expected to welcome customers throughout Fiesta week from its new home on State Street.