My name is Guadalupe, and I’ve loved cooking ever since I was a teen. Back then, however, it wasn’t a choice. It was a necessity. I had to cook and serve food for my 3 siblings when my parents separated and my mom left. I was left with the responsibility of homemaking at only 13 years old.

At 22 years old, I left my hometown of Toluca, Mexico. I left to escape domestic violence. I came to the US, where I worked multiple jobs while raising 4 kids. I learned English while trying to educate my kids. Many times, I doubted myself but knew that I had to provide a healthier environment than the one I was raised in.

I sought help at the Washington Women’s Shelter after I ended the abusive relationship I was in. It was a pivotal period where I learned to take ownership of my life.

I had a vision of opening a restaurant, but I knew I couldn’t do it alone. First, my uncle Demetrio Perez and I had the idea of starting a catering business. It wasn’t until we found two talented brothers and now our business partners, Rafael and Joan Cruz, that we envisioned opening a restaurant.

In 2 months, we turned our idea into a reality. Together, with our partners, we created this restaurant to serve our community. We want our food to make you feel good while and after eating it. Above all, we want everyone to feel welcomed here.

I am living the American Dream - I’m now married, have 8 kids, and am a proud restaurant business owner. I want women in abusive relationships to know they are capable of taking control of their life and of achieving great things.