Our Story
Tender Fire Kitchen began with two friends landing in Santa Fe, searching for deeper meaning and balance: one seeking more fire, the other more tenderness. That idea of balance and creating strength out of weakness resonated with Ben, who had been creating experiences around the world guided by these values.
Inspired by a jungle pizza party in Nicaragua, where dough rose slowly, flames worked their magic, and the meal turned into a celebration of community and dance, Ben hosted his first pizza gathering in Santa Fe in 2019, sparking the beginning of Tender Fire.
In 2020, Ben bought his first pizza oven and began rekindling that spirit of gathering through wood-fired pizza parties in the high desert. What began as an experiment soon grew into a passion: crafting food with integrity, using clean ingredients, and fostering experiences that nourished both body and connection. During the pandemic, these gatherings became more than meals; they became a refuge for the community.
It became clear that food, and pizza in particular, had the power to spark deeper human connection.
For five years, Tender Fire thrived as a pop-up, refining the craft of dough, fire, and flavor. Today, it has evolved into a health-forward restaurant in Midtown Santa Fe, rooted in mindful cooking, soulful hospitality, and the simple belief that food tastes better when it brings people together.
Why Pizza
People eat pizza more than almost any other food combined around the world, especially in the US, and most pizza-eating experiences are the opposite of conscious, ignoring both the health of the planet and the health of the individual. If we want to transform how people eat, and the choices they make, we begin with one of the world’s most popular foods.
Naturally Leavened
Our dough rises for 48-72 hours. It’s a practice of patience, trust and unpredictability. It’s the listening and attention to the weather, the moisture in the air, and the texture of the dough. Then, when it comes time to eat, we cook the pizza for 60-90 seconds in a 800 degree oven, turning the raw ingredients into a universally understood and enjoyed experience. This balance between slowness and speed, tenderness and fire, can be found at the very heart of timing. When you work with natural leaven, you are giving the bacteria enough time to break down the fructan, which is what most people that are gluten free are actually sensitive to. This gives the dough a richer, more complex flavor, while making it one of the healthiest and most easily digestible pizza.
Local
Together with local farmers, we grow and gather the vibrant ingredients that make our menu truly special. How far food travels not only impacts the world, but also changes its flavor and nutritional value. We hope to show that true care for the soil and those who tend it is not only what makes our food better, but also what makes our community stronger.
Vegan
While not all of our pizzas are vegan, we’re putting real care into creating plant-based pies that are every bit as delicious as the rest of our menu. We’re reimagining vegan pizza as more than an alternative: it’s a vibrant celebration of flavor, a choice that nourishes life and helps heal the planet.
Gluten Free
Gluten free and gluten sensitive people no longer have to feel left out on pizza night! Our sourdough gluten free crust is unlike anything you’ve ever had. We make our dough with buckwheat, brown rice, psyllium husk, chia, flax and more, so that not only is it gluten-free, it’s healthy and delicious.