Hope’s Frybread started as a fundraiser for a family friend. “We gathered what we could for ingredients to make Navajo tacos to sell,” owner Hope Peshlakai says. She has now been serving up homestyle Navajo food at pop-ups and catering gigs around the Valley for 10 years. Hope chatted with us to explain more about Navajo food and diversity in Phoenix. Get a taste for yourself at Best Fest on Saturday, August 13.
What can attendees expect from you at Best Fest?
You can expect a sampling of traditional Navajo frybread topped with various sweet toppings.
What are you most looking forward to about the event?
I am looking forward to Valley folks getting to taste what we’ve been able to perfect for the past 10 years. Hopefully sharing our food as well as our culture.
Shout out another Valley business that you admire and why?
Shout out to Blue Naadaa Sweets. Erickson Billy is also Navajo born and raised. He bakes cupcakes and cookies featuring blue corn meal, a staple of Navajo cultural food.
Why do you think events like Best Fest are important for the local community?
I believe events like Best Fest are perfect for small businesses like ours to showcase our products. Giving us just another opportunity to reach another audience.
What is your favorite thing about living and working in Phoenix and why?
I love living and working in that Valley of the Sun because there is so much diversity, history and culture. Also being an Arizona Native, I love my state!
What advice would you give to upcoming business owners?
Keep working toward your goals. There will be tons of obstacles and sometimes it would seem easier to quit, but if it’s what you really want, do it!
