The origin story behind Coyoacán Social was inspired by the relationship between Shaun and the connection he made with his now business partner and Head Chef Roman Cortes at a Day Of The Dead Festival.

With Shaun’s passion for creating social change and opportunities for those recovering from addiction and Roman’s experiences as a recovering addict, this was the catalyst of their bond. An understanding of how food, employment and training can provide positive outcomes to increase the success for those on their own recovery journey was sparked.

The venue has a mission to use the universal love language of food to create compassion between guests in South Eveleigh with locals in need in both Redfern and Mexico. Coyoacán Social also donates meals to the centre in Mexico where Roman took his first steps to recovery and to those in the Greater Sydney area.

The kitchen at Coyoacán Social is led by Head Chef Roman Cortes who was born and raised in Mexico City. The Mexican eatery offers dishes largely influenced by Roman’s mother Maru Navarro and the local cuisine from her birthplace Coyoacán, as well as other regions in Mexico. Many of the dishes also played a factor in giving Roman hope and fuel on his recovery journey. Roman is determined to pay homage to his mother for her support during this time of his life as well as allow her recipes the justice they deserve.