Salinas Mini Mart, LLC Brings Culture, Flavor, and Resilience to Downtown Hanover

Hanover, PA — Salinas Mini Mart, LLC is redefining the local food scene with a vibrant blend of authentic Mexican cuisine, international snacks, and heartfelt community connection at its storefront located at 14 W. Chestnut Street, Hanover, PA 17331. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Salinas Mini Mart offers both a colorful international market and a welcoming restaurant experience under one roof.
At the heart of Salinas Mini Mart is its whimsical and eye-catching logo: the axolotl, a deeply meaningful symbol in Mexican and Mesoamerican culture. In Mexico, the axolotl represents transformation, resilience, sacrifice, and rebirth, rooted in the Aztec story of the god Xolotl, who transformed into the creature to escape death before ultimately being sacrificed for the creation of the Fifth Sun. Known for its ability to regenerate limbs, the axolotl also symbolizes perseverance, duality, and renewal—bridging life and death, earth and the underworld. The blue and pink colors of the logo honor co-owner Diana and her brother Edwin, reflecting family, balance, and shared purpose.
Those themes resonate deeply with the story behind the business. At 19, Diana was diagnosed with cancer and faced the possibility that either the disease or chemotherapy could take her life. Today, at 27, she is a survivor, a mother, and a business owner. “When you’re in that situation, it’s hard to look ahead and dream,” Diana shares. “I’m so grateful I survived. I never imagined I would own a business. Tomorrow isn’t promised, but when you count your blessings, everything finds its own solution in time.”
Inspired by their mother, who owns La Libertad on Baltimore Street, Diana and Edwin grew up immersed in the food business and developed a love for both its challenges and its power to bring people together. Their shared vision was to bring new flavors and cultural experiences to Hanover, a town they proudly call home. Through traveling to cities like Baltimore and Chicago, and sourcing snacks from around the world—including recently arrived chocolate-covered Oreos from Egypt—they aim to make global flavors accessible and affordable for the local community.
Salinas Mini Mart’s restaurant focuses on a small, thoughtfully crafted menu, emphasizing quality and tradition. All meats are cut and marinated in-house, tortillas are handmade for signature dishes, and flavors are carefully balanced. Highlights include:
  • Papa-Loka: A baked potato stuffed with butter, mozzarella cheese, meat of choice, guacamole, and sour cream
  • Machete: A large handmade tortilla filled with your choice of meat, Oaxaca and mozzarella cheeses, grilled onions, cilantro, lettuce, and a side of guacamole
  • Twist on Tacos: A unique take featuring meats grilled with onions for deeper flavor and served on double tortillas
The mini mart side of the business allows customers to purchase specialty ingredients used in the kitchen, including Mexican coffee roasted with piloncillo—a traditional unrefined brown sugar—offering a subtle sweetness with a hint of cinnamon that is rich but never overpowering.
“Our motto has always been ‘treat people the way you want to be treated,’” Diana says. “We want people to feel welcome, to explore new dishes, and to feel at home here.”
“Salinas Mini Mart embodies the spirit of Main Street—authentic, family-driven, and deeply connected to culture and community,” said Moriah Tyler, Executive Director of Main Street Hanover. “Diana and Edwin are bringing something truly special to Hanover: a place where resilience, heritage, and great food come together to create a welcoming experience for everyone.”
The storefront has been open since October, with the restaurant officially opening in early January to enthusiastic community response. Proud of both their Mexican heritage and their roots in Hanover, Diana and Edwin hope their space continues to foster connection, curiosity, and cultural pride in a growing town.

About Main Street Hanover

The mission of Main Street Hanover is to expand the economic capacity of downtown Hanover, thus improving the business environment, enhancing the quality of place, and increasing community synergy.

 

Main Street Hanover is a 501c3 non-profit & proceeds benefit the revitalization of Downtown Hanover.


 

Upcoming Events

Stay updated on the latest events happening in Hanover.

January 10, 2026
Outdoor

Health & Wellness Day

Discover the many ways to nurture your well-being during our Health and Wellness 2nd Saturday in Downtown Hanover! Explore the downtown area and visit a variety of businesses that offer a range of health and wellness opportunities. From mental health services to physical fitness, you’ll find spas, retail therapy, fitness classes, and more. It’s the perfect day to focus on self-care while supporting local businesses!
February 14, 2026
Outdoor

Valen-Tour Downtown

Celebrate love where it lives best—right here in downtown Hanover! Our February 2nd Saturday theme, Valen-Tour Downtown, is all about creating memorable moments with the ones who matter most. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a cozy lunch, or a sweet surprise, downtown Hanover is filled with ways to show your loved one just how much you care.
March 14, 2026
Outdoor

Downtown Four-Leaf Clover Scavenger Hunt

Join the Downtown Four-Leaf Clover Scavenger Hunt and explore local businesses while searching for hidden four-leaf clovers! Visit participating shops, locate their hidden clovers, and collect stamps along the way. Once you’ve collected all the clover stamps, submit your card to Main Street to be entered in a FREE drawing to win an Explore Downtown basket with goodies from our downtown businesses as a reward for your lucky hunt. It’s a fun and festive way to discover downtown and enjoy a bit of Irish charm!

Submit Your Event Today!

Promote your event to a wider audience by featuring it on our website. Reach more attendees and make your event a success!

Discover the Vibrant Culture and Community

Attending events in Hanover allows you to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and vibrant social scene of the town. From lively festivals to art exhibitions and live performances, there's always something exciting happening in Hanover.

A group of friends enjoying some taste testing at Snack Town Brew Fest

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about dietary options, reservation policies, and hours of operation.

What are the top attractions to visit in Hanover?

Visitors often inquire about the Hanover Historic District, which is known for its over 2600 mid-19th to mid-20th-century buildings.

Are there guided tours available in Hanover?

In Hanover, Pennsylvania, history enthusiasts can enjoy a journey through time with visits to the Hanover Area Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town’s rich past; the Warehime-Myers Mansion, a beautifully preserved example of early 20th-century architecture; and the Neas House, one of the oldest surviving structures in Hanover, offering a glimpse into the life of the 18th-century Pennsylvania German settlers. These historical landmarks provide a captivating window into Hanover’s heritage and are a must-visit for those looking to experience the town’s historical charm.

Can visitors engage in any unique local activities?

In addition to Codorus State Park and Hickory Falls, Hanover is also known for the Snack Town Street Fair, a vibrant festival celebrating the town’s snack food heritage with craft vendors, food, and entertainment, created in partnership between the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce and Utz Brands

What historical experiences can one have in Hanover?

Hanover provides a rich historical experience with tours like the Civil War Ghosts of Gettysburg Tour and the Spirits of Jennie Wade Ghost Night Tour in nearby Gettysburg.

What is Hanover known for?

Hanover, Pennsylvania, is renowned as the Snack Food Capital of the World, home to iconic brands like Utz Quality Foods and Snyder’s of Hanover, which are part of the Campbell Snacks portfolio.                              

Where can I grab a drink?

Dolphin & Anchor Pub: Located in the heart of Hanover, they offer traditional beer styles with a twist.

Fat Bat Brewing Company: A local brewery started by a beer-loving brother and sister team, known for their craft beer selections.

Sign of the Horse Brewery: A contemporary brewery catering to craft brew enthusiasts with a range of house taps.

Lydian Stone Brewing Company: A nano brewery offering a variety of craft beers, from the light or malty to the hoppy or stouts; and, plenty of conversation.

Where can I get a map of Hanover?

The Borough office at 33 Frederick St, Hanover has everything you will need to find your way around Hanover.