Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we’re spotlighting local business owners and the stories behind their work. First up is AJ Castillo, owner of Americanos at 11060 S. Western Ave. Now in his eighth year in business on Western Avenue, AJ knows the hard work, sacrifice, and creativity it takes to succeed in the restaurant industry. He shared what inspired him and what keeps him chasing his dreams.
A Grandfather’s Song
“My grandparents came [here] to work and make a better living for their family. My grandfather was from Tampico, Mexico, and was a mariachi singer, which resonates with me in everything I am doing for myself and my family today. The confidence and love a mariachi singer possesses really inspires those around them listening. They embody confidence as they sing, though they may be experiencing pain and sorrow in their life. This is the pain and sorrow many immigrants experience moving from their original homeland to a new one. Sacrifice is the key word in all of this and that is what I intend to do to carry out my grandfather’s wishes of providing his family with a better life.
“When Papa Poncho sang you could feel it. He passed away when I was a sophomore in high school, and when I watch old videos of him singing, I can’t help but get goosebumps. I feel like his spirit is within me and is still present today. When we opened Americanos, a framed picture of him singing arrived on his birthday unexpectedly. At that moment, I knew I wasn’t only opening Americanos for me but I was opening it for him. I now realize the importance of celebrating my culture and all those before me. This is to everyone, immigrant or not, who made the sacrifices they needed to for the betterment of their families. Viva Mexico and God bless America!”
Rooted in the community
On being a business owner in Beverly/Morgan Park, AJ says: “It’s a proud feeling to be a business leader in my community. It’s tough being a young entrepreneur. In the beginning no one really takes you seriously, so you must grind through the first few years and prove yourself. Now I am established and am always willing to help those looking to follow a similar path. I am very grateful for my position and proud of the hard work I’ve put forward. I owe everything to my family and friends who helped out early on, and I am also very thankful for our community who supported me throughout the process.”
Stop by Americanos and say hello!