Salinas Mini Mart, LLC Brings Culture, Flavor, and Resilience to Downtown Hanover

General News ArticlePress ReleaseCommunityHuman Interest

Hanover, PA — Salinas Mini Mart, LLC is redefining the local food scene with a vibrant blend of authentic Mexican cuisine, international snacks, and heartfelt community connection at its storefront located at 14 W. Chestnut Street, Hanover, PA 17331. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Salinas Mini Mart offers both a colorful international market and a welcoming restaurant experience under one roof.
At the heart of Salinas Mini Mart is its whimsical and eye-catching logo: the axolotl, a deeply meaningful symbol in Mexican and Mesoamerican culture. In Mexico, the axolotl represents transformation, resilience, sacrifice, and rebirth, rooted in the Aztec story of the god Xolotl, who transformed into the creature to escape death before ultimately being sacrificed for the creation of the Fifth Sun. Known for its ability to regenerate limbs, the axolotl also symbolizes perseverance, duality, and renewal—bridging life and death, earth and the underworld. The blue and pink colors of the logo honor co-owner Diana and her brother Edwin, reflecting family, balance, and shared purpose.
Those themes resonate deeply with the story behind the business. At 19, Diana was diagnosed with cancer and faced the possibility that either the disease or chemotherapy could take her life. Today, at 27, she is a survivor, a mother, and a business owner. “When you’re in that situation, it’s hard to look ahead and dream,” Diana shares. “I’m so grateful I survived. I never imagined I would own a business. Tomorrow isn’t promised, but when you count your blessings, everything finds its own solution in time.”
Inspired by their mother, who owns La Libertad on Baltimore Street, Diana and Edwin grew up immersed in the food business and developed a love for both its challenges and its power to bring people together. Their shared vision was to bring new flavors and cultural experiences to Hanover, a town they proudly call home. Through traveling to cities like Baltimore and Chicago, and sourcing snacks from around the world—including recently arrived chocolate-covered Oreos from Egypt—they aim to make global flavors accessible and affordable for the local community.
Salinas Mini Mart’s restaurant focuses on a small, thoughtfully crafted menu, emphasizing quality and tradition. All meats are cut and marinated in-house, tortillas are handmade for signature dishes, and flavors are carefully balanced. Highlights include:
  • Papa-Loka: A baked potato stuffed with butter, mozzarella cheese, meat of choice, guacamole, and sour cream
  • Machete: A large handmade tortilla filled with your choice of meat, Oaxaca and mozzarella cheeses, grilled onions, cilantro, lettuce, and a side of guacamole
  • Twist on Tacos: A unique take featuring meats grilled with onions for deeper flavor and served on double tortillas
The mini mart side of the business allows customers to purchase specialty ingredients used in the kitchen, including Mexican coffee roasted with piloncillo—a traditional unrefined brown sugar—offering a subtle sweetness with a hint of cinnamon that is rich but never overpowering.
“Our motto has always been ‘treat people the way you want to be treated,’” Diana says. “We want people to feel welcome, to explore new dishes, and to feel at home here.”
“Salinas Mini Mart embodies the spirit of Main Street—authentic, family-driven, and deeply connected to culture and community,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “Diana and Edwin are bringing something truly special to Hanover: a place where resilience, heritage, and great food come together to create a welcoming experience for everyone.”
The storefront has been open since October, with the restaurant officially opening in early January to enthusiastic community response. Proud of both their Mexican heritage and their roots in Hanover, Diana and Edwin hope their space continues to foster connection, curiosity, and cultural pride in a growing town.

About Main Street Hanover

The mission of Main Street Hanover is to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover, thus improving the business environment, enhancing the quality of place, and increasing community synergy.

 

Main Street Hanover is a 501c3 non-profit & proceeds benefit the revitalization of Downtown Hanover.


 

Salinas Mini Mart, LLC Brings Culture, Flavor, and Resilience to Downtown Hanover