LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The owners of Aracely’s Sazon say their restaurant started with a few Colombian dishes made at home, not a business plan.
Aracely Saldivar immigrated to the U.S. from Colombia and was working at a Las Vegas casino when someone tried one of her meals.
“Someone tried a meal I made and told me, ‘You have really good sazon; you should focus on that,’” Saldivar said.
Saldivar said she could not shake her dream of bringing a piece of Colombia to Las Vegas.
“I didn’t want to go back to the casino anymore. So I said, ‘I’m going to have to get started,’” Saldivar said.
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From cab driver to restaurant owner
Daniel Saldivar was a cab driver until he and his wife decided they could no longer ignore their passion for the business.
“This is an example that anybody who has the right dream and does the right thing can succeed in this country and have their American dream come true,” Daniel Saldivar said.
The couple said the transition came with a learning curve that included permits, health codes, and the realities of running a business.
“And there were many headaches that I went through at one point. But I learned. And now it’s a lot easier, because I know the law,” Daniel Saldivar said.
11 years later
Eleven years later, Aracelys Sazon has grown beyond the plates that once left the couple’s home kitchen.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the owners said they hope their story serves as a reminder to Latino entrepreneurs that small beginnings can still lead to something bigger.
“Well, be proud of yourself. Be proud of who you are. Thrive in this country. It’s a wonderful country. And if I succeeded, you can succeed. Just keep on staying on your dream,” Daniel Saldivar said.
Aracely Saldivar said barriers should be expected but should not stop people from pursuing their goals.
“Well, we Latinos are very driven people; we’re meant to achieve great things,” Aracely Saldivar said.
The owners said they are planning to expand their restaurant in the next couple of months to a bigger location. The couple said their goal has always been to create a space where the Colombian community of Las Vegas feels a little closer to home.
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