Aurora Restaurant Named Small Business Of The Year By IL Chamber

AURORA, IL — La Quinta de Los Reyes Restaurant, a longtime downtown Aurora eatery, was named Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Small Business of the Year.

Located at 36 E. New York St., La Quinta de Los Reyes opened two decades ago and has since become a staple in the community. During the pandemic, it was the first restaurant to switch to curbside service, city officials said.

At Tuesday night's City Council meeting, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Chief of Staff Marcela Cartagena presented owners Claudia Urrutia and Jesus Sanchez with the Small Business of the Year Award. The downtown Chicago-based IHCC represents 120,000 Latino businesses.

The award recognizes an "extraordinary small business whose work has been an example of hard work and perseverance."

"The Chamber received many nominations for the Small Business of the Year Award, and picking the winner was no easy task," Cartagena said at the meeting. "This business was chosen because of its incredible journey to offering the best of Mexico's traditional cuisine. Located in downtown Aurora, they are known for their outstanding dishes and exceptional services. As many guests can attest, this restaurant offers an unforgettable culinary journey, rich in flavor and tradition."

In a news release, Senior Advisor to the Mayor Clayton Muhammad wrote the owners are not only entrepreneurs but "key civic leaders in Aurora's Latino community."

"This award is not just a testament of our team's hard work but also a celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship to drive a small business like ours," Urrutia said. "We are proud to call this vibrant community of Aurora our home."