Small Business Spotlight: Las Tapatias Family Kitchen

Client Spotlight: Las Tapatias Family Kitchen

"From Guadalajara with love, proud to present these dishes to my community." -Celia

In May 2025, Celia took a big step toward her entrepreneurial dream by opening Las Tapatías Family Kitchen, a family restaurant that brings the authentic flavor of Guadalajara to the heart of her community. Inspired by her roots in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Celia decided to share the richness of her local cuisine with a menu full of traditional snacks and unique flavors.

At Las Tapatías Family Kitchen, customers enjoy specialties such as carne en su jugo (beef in its own juice), birria, tortas ahogadas (drowned cakes), and a wide variety of Mexican snacks. One of the restaurant's biggest draws is its delicious birria and handcrafted margaritas, made with natural fruits and high-quality tequila, which have won over everyone who tries them.

Before owning her own restaurant, Celia began selling food from her home and participating in local fairs. “Bringing some of my city's cuisine to this country excites me, and with the restaurant, I can expand my menu and share it with more people,” she says proudly.

Like any great venture, the beginnings weren't easy. Celia first faced the challenge of finding the ideal location, then she had to ensure all the permits and inspections were in order to operate legally. Once open, she discovered that the kitchen equipment wasn't working properly and had to replace it in a matter of days to avoid losing the products in refrigeration or delaying the opening. Additionally, in the early days, she also had to deal with some staff issues, which required her to adapt quickly and make decisions under pressure.

To overcome these challenges, Celia found key support in the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Waubonsee Community College.“The SBDC's help was vital for my venture. Noelia Ruiz was always attentive and available to answer my questions. The Emprende Academy course I took this spring was excellent and gave me the confidence I needed to move forward,” Celia shares.

Just a few months after opening, Las Tapatías Family Kitchen has already enjoyed excellent acceptance in its community. The quality of her dishes, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the passion Celia puts into every detail are reflected in every visit from her customers.

Celia's plans don't stop there. She dreams of expanding to other areas so more people can experience and enjoy authentic Guadalajara cuisine. For other entrepreneurs, she offers this advice:

“There will always be unforeseen events… equipment breaks down or employees fail, but the most important thing is to have a plan B and, above all, emotional balance to avoid becoming frustrated. Calm is key to thinking clearly and solving problems.”

Follow Las Tapatías Family Kitchen in Facebook:

📱 @lastapatiasfamilykitchen

Visit Las Tapatias Family Kitchen at:

1310 N 7th St, Rochelle, IL 61068

(815) 561-6060

Support local businesses and experience authentic Mexican cuisine at Las Tapatías Family Kitchen!

Learn more about the SBDC at Waubonsee Community College

Business Growth Academy

The Business Growth Academy is a 10-session program including insight from experts that will help you build a strategic growth plan specifically for your company!

This program is based upon the Kauffman Foundation’s award-winning FastTrac© curriculum and is presented by a team of experienced business-owners & consultants! Get practical solutions that can be implemented immediately while networking with industry experts and other like-minded entrepreneurs.

Business Growth Academy sessions are provided at no cost to those attending.

New Venture Academy

Is your business not yet launched?

The New Venture Academy provides aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs with the support and resources necessary for their success.

The New Venture Academy can chart where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there!

Their FastTrac® curriculum is a flexible course with a proven framework to help support you and begin your journey on the road to success.

Then New Venture Academy is for you! Through our 10-session cohort, test the feasibility of your business concept, assess opportunities and identify those with the greatest potential, and fine-tune the processes of an early-stage business. You will walk away with a solid business plan that takes your concept from an idea – to reality.

Quickbooks like an Expert

This 6-session course will guide you step by step through the essentials of the software, including how to set up your account, manage income and expenses, reconcile bank accounts, and generate key financial reports.

You’ll also learn best practices for using QBO efficiently, optimizing your business's financial management, and avoiding common mistakes. Designed for small business owners, this hands-on course will provide you with the tools needed to handle your finances with confidence and clarity.

Click Here

Illinois SBDC at Waubonsee Community College

El Centro de Desarrollo de Pequeñas Empresas está disponible para asistirle con sus necesidades empresariales. Nuestro servicio no tiene costo. Puede solicitar asistencia por correo electrónico a sbdc@waubonsee.edu, por teléfono al (630) 906-4143 o en línea (haga clic en "registro para nuevos clientes").

Financiado en parte a través de un acuerdo cooperativo con la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas de los EE. UU. y el Departamento de Comercio y Oportunidad Económica. Todas las opiniones, conclusiones o recomendaciones expresadas son del autor(es) y no reflejan necesariamente los puntos de vista de la SBA o DCEO.

Waubonsee no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o discapacidad en sus programas o actividades. Las consultas sobre esta política pueden dirigirse a: Coordinador de Título IX/Sección 504, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554, compliance@waubonsee.edu.

Waubonsee Community College

Aurora Downtown Campus

18 S. River St.

Aurora, IL 60506

comparta este correo electrónico