El Callejon Del Beso, Little Village Family’s New Restaurant, A Dream Realized
A Family Affair
A dream came true for a Little Village family as they celebrated the ribbon cutting Saturday of their new Mexican restaurant, El Callejon del Beso, in suburban Cicero. El Callejon del Beso, 5827 W. 16th St. in Cicero, specializes in Mexican-style barbecued and grilled meat dishes like parrillada, quesabirrias, chilaquiles and arrachera, or Mexican-style skirt steak, among the best-selling dishes, co-owner Alejandro Ballesteros said.
Support from the Little Village Chamber
El Callejon del Beso is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. The restaurant’s name pays homage to the family’s hometown in Guanajuato, Mexico, where the legendary tourist destination Callejon del Beso, or Alley of the Kiss, is located. Ballesteros opened the restaurant with his father Jose Ballesteros and uncle Juan Ballesteros, who all dreamed of owning something of their own, Alejandro Ballesteros said.
For support and guidance in starting their business, the family turned to the Little Village Chamber of Commerce. The chamber’s De La Mano program, providing free business consulting to new and existing businesses throughout the city, played a crucial role in the restaurant’s success.
Navigating Business Requirements
Thanks to the De La Mano program, the Ballesteros family was able to register the business as a corporation and with the Internal Revenue Service, find the right storefront in nearby Cicero, apply for a business license, learn how to manage operations, keep records and promote the restaurant. “Without the chamber’s help, the restaurant wouldn’t be up to date with all business requirements, taxes and all the licenses needed,” Alejandro Ballesteros said.
Roberto Cornelio, business advisor at the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, helped the family streamline the application process with the township of Cicero and understand their lease agreements. “Helping business owners navigate these financial and legal complexities is important to reduce risks before and after opening,” Cornelio said.
A Dream Realized
For the Ballesteros family, the restaurant is an opportunity to apply the experience the family has gained to something they now own and can pass on, Alejandro Ballesteros said. “We invested all of our savings into this opportunity,” Alejandro Ballesteros said. “We went for it and decided to open the restaurant we always dreamed of.”
A Bright Future
As a liaison between business owners and elected officials, Cornelio helped the Ballesteros family navigate the entrepreneurial journey. “Any business presents a huge risk. There are no guarantees. Restaurants are particularly risky because of the perishable nature of the product they use,” Cornelio said.
For Alejandro Ballesteros, the future holds big plans. He dreams of growing into a chain with thriving restaurants, building a foundation for his family and future generations. “The LVCC helps us with everything. Taxes, licenses or any questions we have, they help us with it all,” he said.
Conclusion
El Callejon del Beso is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Little Village community and the support available to business owners through the De La Mano program.
FAQs
Q: What type of cuisine does El Callejon del Beso serve?
A: El Callejon del Beso serves Mexican-style barbecued and grilled meat dishes.
Q: Is El Callejon del Beso open for lunch?
A: Yes, El Callejon del Beso is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday.
Q: Can I reserve a table at El Callejon del Beso?
A: Yes, please call the restaurant to make a reservation.
Q: How did the Ballesteros family come up with the idea to open a restaurant?
A: The family has a long history of working in the restaurant industry, and they wanted to open a restaurant of their own.
Q: What is the De La Mano program?
A: The De La Mano program is a free business consulting program provided by the Little Village Chamber of Commerce to new and existing businesses throughout the city.
