This Cinco De Mayo, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce wants to remind people how important it is to support locally owned Hispanic businesses. Business owners say it’s their local business base that keeps their doors open.
“We’re advocating for our member businesses, we’re pushing them, promoting them, helping make those introductions so they can improve their mobility to grow their businesses and really it’s about serving Hispanic businesses, Hispanics in business and businesses that serve Hispanics,” said Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Steven Alaniz.
Alaniz said it’s important to support local Hispanic businesses every day of the year and that’s the focus of the chamber, to highlight and showcase what local businesses in San Antonio have to offer.
“Making sure that we’re supporting those businesses that are built on passion, that are offering more than just your normal experience. That’s what a lot of these businesses here in the area do,” said Pablo Rios, owner of Barrio Dogs.
Rios opened his restaurant, Barrio Dogs, over the weekend and hopes his business will help teach people about Hispanic culture in general.
“Our business is a business that celebrates the art, history, and culture of low riding so I think it’s very important that we celebrate culture in general. Like, if everyone plays their part, I think that’s how we keep momentum, we keep the celebration going,” said Rios.
Business owners say when you shop and eat local, you’re not just supporting the business, you’re keeping money in the local economy.
“We’ve already employed 10 new employees and it’s just going to continue to grow from there,” said Rios.
Kenedy Navarro said she makes it a priority to spend her money at locally owned businesses.
Often, Navarro said those businesses offer something special.
“It’s something different, it’s something that can be marketed to just their type of crowd. San Antonio is very special and when you can find a local business that is very special, that you want to support, you really want to give back and support it,” said Navarro.
