SANDO

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
After several years operating as a dark kitchen and testing both the product and the concept, Sofía and her business partners confirmed that SANDO had great potential. That's when they decided to take the next step and open their first physical branch.

From the beginning, they knew the location had to be strategic: a spot with good energy, well-connected, and with foot traffic. Although the street wasn't the busiest, this didn't hinder their growth. On the contrary, it led them to rethink their approach: more than just a quick stop, SANDO became a destination. A place people go to intentionally, seeking a complete, relaxed, and enjoyable experience.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
SANDO is, above all, a brand that encourages constant creativity. The team especially enjoys the creative process: thinking up new flavors, combinations, and ideas. It's a place where innovation is part of everyday life.

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
Definitely the Sandos. They're the heart of the concept. And, of course, pair them with our specialty coffee, which is designed to perfectly complement the experience.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
At SANDO, we are constantly rethinking and evolving. One of the biggest challenges was understanding that, to grow and scale the brand, we needed to produce our own bread.

Today we are very excited because that step is now a reality: we will soon be opening our own bakery. This will not only allow us to have greater control over quality, but also expand the offerings within the restaurant.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
We are greatly inspired by observing what is happening in the industry, both in Mexico and abroad. We are constantly attentive to new concepts, trends, and proposals, not only from competitors but from all types of projects. From there, we seek to reinterpret those ideas under our own identity, giving them the unique SANDO touch.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
One project that inspires us a lot is MYKA. Although it's not our area of ​​expertise, we deeply admire their history and growth. Seeing how they've become a global brand motivates us and inspires us to aspire to the same.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
It's hard to choose just one person, but someone we'd love to invite would be Guillermo del Toro. His creativity, sensitivity, and connection to Mexican culture would be incredible for developing something unique, probably a gastronomic experience with a narrative and a lot of character.

Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
Yes, and it's something very special to us. Many people don't know that some of the furniture and graphic elements in the space—like chairs, tables, and caricatures—are inspired by the work of Sofia's grandfather, our founder: the architect and industrial designer Ernesto Gómez Gallardo.

He was a very influential figure in architecture and design in Mexico, and having that legacy present in SANDO gives the project an even more authentic identity.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
It would be Tokyo. Although SANDO is a blend of influences, Tokyo perfectly represents our essence: a balance between minimalism and urbanity. We seek that same duality in our design and experience: something clean and refined, yet with character, energy, and a unique personality that evolves over time.

Answers by Sofía Muñoz Gómez Gallardo, partner and founder of SANDO.