aldea: pronounced al-DEH-ah; meaning village or small community
Blending the village ethos with the roots of hospitality — aldea builds supportive systems for creative people. We help careers and cultures grow, with craft, care and connection.
Because that’s what true hospitality is built on. Taking care of people, strengthening ecosystems and ensuring there’s a seat at the table, where everyone eats — no matter the journey.
What We Do
Written Word
Experienced newsletter publishing and ghostwriting. Hospitality communications, education and development.
Modern Drinking
Decades of beverage leadership and award winning service, applied to the new age of drinking and entertainment.
Creative Partnerships
Cross discipline, hospitable collaborations. Mutually beneficial, value aligned and village centric.
Artist Events
Innovative hospitality — from culinary arts to live showcases and services. Community driven, experiential design.
Our founders were raised on Midwest hospitality and village mentalities, from both a big city and small town perspective. We come from humble beginnings, and understand the necessity of wearing multiple hats, as small business owners and creatives — as well as the power in rolling up our sleeves for the greater good. Our partnerships are rooted in impact and value alignment, because making a difference is always more fun when we’re in community.
Who We Are
Liz Mendez- offers over twenty years of experience in restaurant operations, cultural development and leadership coaching to help hospitality creatives go from surviving to thriving.
Mark Mendez- brings over three decades of restaurant experience and operational expertise to advise, coach and help small businesses expand profitability.
Join the Village
Our expertise covers multiple disciplines across the culinary arts, hospitality, operations, and creativity. We love chatting with restaurant folks and artists alike; if you dig creating community - sign up for our blog below or email us from the collaborate button at the top of the site.