By: Mayte Penman, Bicultural Business Strategist. To book a Strategy Session click here
During Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, we remember the strength and resiliency and celebrate the economic, social, and cultural contributions of our nation’s vigorous, courageous and diverse Hispanic/ Latinx community.
The last year and a half has exposed and exacerbated racial and economic inequities, as many of the frontline workers that have kept this country running are members of our Black and brown communities. From the beginning of this health crisis, small business owners and entrepreneurs quickly shifted, and they did it by being resourceful, creative, and resilient. They didn’t give up.
As we continue to face this situation, let’s honor and celebrate Southwest Detroit business owners and their families who continue to show up to work with dignity and respect. Many are first-generation immigrants who are trying to keep it together and second-generation entrepreneurs, learning from their parents on how to continue their legacy. The struggle continues, but this community’s love for who they are and what they do gives them the strength to continue.
Hispanic/Latinx Resourcefulness, Creativity, and Resilience During Difficult Times
1 | Taqueria Lupitas | 3443 Bagley St Detroit, MI 48216
A second generation immigrant, Valeria took over the Taqueria opened by her father about 20 years ago. The name of the restaurant honors Valeria’s mother–Lupita. The taqueria is located in the heart of Mexicantown and specializes in comfort street food with a diverse type of meats and soups.
2 | Mangonadas del Barrio | 1210 Lawndale St. Detroit, MI 48209
Who knew that a mango box could transform your life? The foresight of Antonio and Maribel brought these unique Mexican flavors to this city. Their hard work generated employment for many families and now they have two bustling locations.
3 | La Jalisciense Restaurant and Mexican Grocery Store | 3923 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216
A family from Jalisco, Jose Manuel and Teresa work side by side with their four children, allowing them to explore and implement new ideas. Their dishes and sauces are cooked with the freshest ingredients and a special touch. They take care of every detail to offer you the best service and attention. Try to visit them, you wont regret it!
4 | El Popo Market | 3438 Bagley, Detroit, MI 48216
Originally from Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Raquel and Rodolfo originally planned to have a vegan soup and salad bar. During the pandemic, they shifted right away to adapt, and created a mini boutique with many accessories from Mexico.
5 | Rocky’s Road Brew in Detroit | Food truck in Mexicantown
Looking around trying to find something different? Well Rocky took that search as a challenge.Try their delicious vegan Mexican food. No “tio” will realize it’s meatless. Rocky now even has vegan tamales! Check their instagram account for updates!
6 | Taqueria Nuestra Familia | 7620 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Jorge opened a restaurant with authentic Mexican food, traditional drinks & flavored waters made from rice, tamarindo, and jamaica made fresh from scratch. Their corn tortillas are handmade daily. Have you ever tried their birria? You probably should, and of course, their delicious and different types of salsas.
7 | Rodriguez Vaquerita LLC | 5698 W Vernor Hwy Detroit, MI 48209
Mr. Rodriguez’s legacy will soon be passed to his children. Did you know that taking care of a texana hat is a form of art on its own? Rodriguez Vaquerita offers washing and ironing service for Texana hats. Which involves renewing the shape of the cup and the skirt so that it is in good condition for use again. They are now celebrating their 30th anniversary!
Ray started a restaurant that brought authentic food from Venezuela that no member of the local baseball team can resist. If you want to expand your taste buds, pay Ray a visit. I can guarantee you will not regret it since this is the only Venezuelan food establishment located in Southwest Detroit.
9 | Quince Primaveras | 5688 W. Vernor, Detroit, MI 48209
When a person is talented, to them, everything looks like an opportunity. Laly didn’t have a quinceanera herself but now she is making a dream come through for others and in the process, making a living out of it. Now their store has the largest in-store selection in Detroit of garments for quinceañeras/Sweet 16s, proms and weddings. All is possible with the right attitude!
10 | El Asador Steakhouse | 1312 Springwells St, Detroit, MI 48209
Chef Luis Garza has continuously found inspiration in his mother’s cuisine. Chef Garza’s philosophy is that when you love what you do, it shows. And his regional inspirations come primarily from Puebla, Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon, and the coastal regions of Veracruz and Tamaulipas.
11 | La Terraza Restaurant | 8445 W. Vernor
Israel and Celia create fine Mexican dining and entertainment. They feature various traditional dishes, seafood, soups, and desserts. They are currently training a new generation, and they are doing a marvelous job.
12 | ESI Hardware | 1240 Lawndale St, Detroit, MI 48209
ESI is a local hardware store owned by a Mexican American, Ms. Fuentes, from Chihuahua, Mexico. Her passion is to serve her community and supply resources to the area, which is a benefit to the community since contractors and homeowners don’t have to leave the neighborhood and go to big box stores to get supplies they need.
13 | Rincon Tropical Caribbean Restaurant | 6538 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210
At Rincon Tropical you will find a great variety of authentic Puerto Rican food. Lizaida and Riquelmi prepare traditional plates such as rice with gandules, pernil (roasted pork), pasteles, alcapurrias, mofongo, rellenos de papa (stuffed potatoes) and much more. They serve home style food, which makes our clients feel like they are right at home.
14 | J S Auto Detail and Hand Wash | 2216 Lawndale Detroit, MI 48209
It is indeed rewarding when you know you are supporting the local economy. That’s why you should head to see Jesus at his J S Auto Detailing Services. He does hand washing, window, wheel and tire cleaning, hand drying, clay treatment, buffing and polishing, and hand wax. You are going to love his services.
15 | El Nacimiento Restaurant | 7400 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Rodrigo Padilla, came to the US in 1980 with a dream of opening an authentic Mexican restaurant. In 2001 he Launched Taqueria El Nacimiento. Years of dedication, vision & sacrifice have made El Nacimiento Restaurant a favorite multi-cultural destination for Metro Detroit & Canada. The restaurant is now managed by the bright next generation of Padillas: Alvaro, Joel, Daisy & Arely.
16 | DMEX Printing | 8340 W. Vernor, Detroit, MI 48209
This is a family affair, with all working in tandem to create the best quality service. Cesar and Maria Judith opened in 2006, and provide bilingual services and specialize in printing, graphics, silk screening and embroidery.
17 | La Posada Mexican Restaurant and Market | 1930 Springwells, Detroit, MI 48209
Mr. Romo started La Posada as a Mexican restaurant/mini supermarket offering regional food from the Mexican state of Jalisco with dine-in, catering and carryout services— they now have a full liquor license. They also provide money transfer services to Mexico and Central America.
18 | Carniceria Guadalajara | 1630 Lawndale, Detroit, MI 48209
Salvador Enriquez (father) and Adriana Hernandez (daughter) are the owners of Guadalajara 2. Their business is a friendly full-service meat market that carries Mexican cuts of meat. There is also a selection of groceries, including vegetables, sodas, milk, chilies and spices, and everything else that a family buys to meet their basic needs.
19 | La Rosita Mexican Restaurant | 7849 McGraw, Detroit, MI 48210
Angelica and Dario are the owners of La Rosita Mexican Restaurant. Their mission is to create a family-friendly environment, where both Detroiters and tourists alike can enjoy authentic Mexican food and groceries. Come on by and try their famous gorditas, pick up tortillas and spices for your own cooking. They have the best meat in town, and of course, the best chorizo!
20 | Antojitos El Catracho | 4627 W, Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Obed Hernandez and Sandra Padilla owners of Antojitos El Catracho, are creating a unique combination of Mexican and Honduran food, their food is delicious and very diverse. They also offer authentic food from Honduras in addition to specialties from El Salvador and Mexico. All their dishes are prepared fresh in-house daily. And if you are a coffee drinker, try their Hondurian coffee, you will love it!
21 | El Salpicon Detroit Seafood Restaurant | 8600 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48209
Esteban, Yuri and Aldo are the owners of El Salpicon. If you want to enjoy delicious seafood, have fun or recover from a hangover, this is a place to go. With an extensive menu, you can for sure find what your taste buds are craving for.
22 | Taqueria y Cenaduria Triángulo Dorado | 8065 W. Vernor Detroit, MI 48209
Santiago and Karina are the owners of this rare and unique restaurant in Southwest Detroit where you will find food from Sinaloa, Durango and Chihuahua (Northern states of Mexico). This is also the only place where you will find a fusion of Sinaloa style sushi. A must try; the “mar y tierra sushi” (meat and seafood), so unique!
23 | Angel D Upholstery | 1443 Mckinstry Detroit, MI 48209
Angel Hernandez has been consistent in learning new skills to improve his business. He has been serving Southern Michigan for upholstery and reupholstery for over eight years with one mission: to bring high-quality upholstery to the Southern Michigan region.
24 | Tamaleria Nuevo León | 2669 Vernor Highway, Detroit, MI 48216
Susi is a proud ñortena from New Leon, a northern part of Mexico. The Tamaleria Nuevo León is located in Detroit’s Mexicantown. Their tamales are handmade and have traveled all over the U.S and the world. Make sure to try their salsa!
