Angela M. Salamanca on Ritual

Angela M. Salamanca was born in Bogotá, Colombia on November 6, 1976. She moved to the United States at age 17 shortly after graduating high school. Angela studied at Wake Tech as an ESL student, and later on graduated with an associate degree and transferred to UNC Chapel Hill where she earned a degree in Studio Art and Art History in 2002.

Angela has worked in the restaurant industry for over twenty years. In late September 2007, she partnered with her uncle Carlos to open Dos Taquitos Centro, which was later rebranded to Centro. The restaurant has become a canvas to express Angela’s passion for food, art, music, and culture. Located in downtown Raleigh, Centro has earned a reputation for being one of the best Mexican restaurants in the city. Additionally, it has become a hub of advocacy for cultural diversity and inclusion in downtown Raleigh. Centro will turn 17 years old this September.

In 2015 Angela opened Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria, the first mezcal bar in the southeast. For this effort she teamed with Marshall Davis; former rock musician, budding barman, and soon-to-be mezcal aficionado. Gallo offers a unique and vast selection of mezcals, cocktails, and small plates, earning countless regional and national accolades while rising to the top of Raleigh's craft cocktail scene.

In May 2020, Ex-Voto Cocina Nixtamal opened at the Durham Food Hall. This new venture was conceived as a celebration of corn and the process of nixtamalization. Due to Covid, the concept pivoted into a Burrito Bodega first and finally into the now popular Crunchwrap madhouse.

In July 2024, Patty Boy opened at the Durham Food Hall. This new business was created to fill a clear need for a good burger establishment in the food hall. Patty Boy honors the country roots and mother of Dallas Howard, the chef behind Ex-Voto and manager of both restaurants.

Angela's journey in this industry is a clear parallel of her immigrant story; Survival through education, innovation, and opportunity. Angela is a strong believer in the importance of a diverse and united community and healthy lifestyle and she has used her businesses as a platform to develop and host events benefitting these causes.

Eleven years ago she partnered with The Boys and Girls Club to launch the annual Day of the Dead 5K which largely funds the arts program at the Club’s Brentwood location. To date, this effort has raised over $170k for the club.

In 2023 Día de Oakwood was born, as a collaboration between the organizers of the Day of the Dead 5k; Angela Salamanca, Natalia Campbell, the Oakwood Cemetery director, Robin Simonton, and Artist Peter Marin. This event intends to create an ofrenda installation and event series that celebrates all the traditional aspects of the Day of the Dead holiday and to develop an educational program about Dia de Muertos for the students who participate. In doing so, Dia de Oakwood creates a new space for the community at large to contribute and participate in the profound act of honoring our loved ones who have passed. This celebration takes place at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery for 7 days with specifically designed activities and performances that are free, accessible, and open to the public.

In the inaugural Dia de Oakwood in 2023, they received 2 major grants and sponsorships from eight businesses. There were five major community partners, seven ofrendas, and three days of celebrations with over 1000 people in attendance each day, including government officials, community leaders, educators, performers and their families and friends, Oakwood neighbors, and over 100 volunteers who helped for weeks.

Angela is the mother of two incredible daughters; Sara & Ana, and two beautiful pups Kota and Flora. She is a sister, friend, and boss to a few dozen around and currently lives in downtown Raleigh, NC.