Carlitos Cuban Food in Las Vegas was the focal point of a recent “lunch takeover” by JPMorgan Chase employees who kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month at the family-owned restaurant. More than 25 JPMorgan Chase employees stepped up to enjoy the cafeteria-style offerings and express their support for Latino-owned small businesses as part of a Sept. 18 event set up by the Adelante employee business group, a nearby branch and a Chase bankers.
Cesar Melendez, a senior business relationship manager for Chase, championed the idea to invite employees to dine at Carlitos Cuban Food, to demonstrate support of the local small businesses that are working hard to thrive in the Nevada market. Cesar met the owners a few years ago and has been guiding them as they pursue a growth plan and other business assistance.
“A few years ago I walked into Carlitos Cuban Food, tried their delicious food and started asking questions,” Melendez said. “I was curious. The owners had plans of where they wanted their business to go, and I set up appointments with our experts to ensure they could start working through a plan for growth and success – and the relationship blossomed.”
Betty and Carlos Rodriguez opened Carlitos Cuban Food seven years ago. They currently have 19 employees, many of whom are family members. The cafeteria-style restaurant and bakery is frequented by regulars from different and similar ethnic backgrounds who appreciate the establishment’s authenticity to its Cuban roots and style.
“We started our family business out of the garage of my home in 2016 and we did that for a year and a half,” Carlos Rodriguez said. “Thanks to my family’s dedication and help, and through the support of the Las Vegas Hispanic and especially Cuban community’s support – we’ve been able to keep expanding and growing.”
They’ve confronted challenges many small businesses face, and with guidance from Chase, they’re set to open a second location in December. They’re also learning about the SBA lending process, cash back tips for purchases and how to become certified as a diverse supplier which opens doors for more business with large companies, Melendez said.
Fellow Cuban and restaurant fan Peter Guzman, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce, said he sees the benefit first-hand of family-owned businesses making connections with banking experts.
“Chase has done a tremendous job connecting with small businesses and lending their knowledge to new entrepreneurs, because small businesses need to have a vision for success and access to capital,” he said. “Chase is helping many Hispanic-owned businesses in the Nevada market that are now expanding with the new knowledge they’ve gained, and this is what we need in our communities.”
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Chase Business Banking is hosting a workshop and mixer for small businesses to learn how to access capital, enroll in the Minority Business Enterprise Certification Program, become certified as a diverse supplier, and to sign up for Chase’s one-on-one Business Mentorship Program. The event will be held on Oct. 25 from 3-5 p.m. at the Chase community branch, 1340 E. Flamingo Road. To enroll, click here.
