By: Ashmar Mandou

Nestled in the heart of the Little Village neighborhood, beloved local gem, La Catedral Café and Restaurant received statewide acknowledgement recently as the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic opportunity (DCEO) Office of Tourism welcomed it as one of 20 small businesses into the Illinois Made Makers program.

“We feel profoundly grateful for this recognition,” said La Catedral Café Chef-Owner Ambrocio “Bocho” Gonzalez. “During these challenging times, it’s an honor that we as Latinos are recognized for our work ethic, our contributions…it’s incredible. I feel very grateful, because in reality this recognition is not just for me, it’s also for the workers here at La Catedral Café who are here every day working hard.”

Each year, DCEO’s office selects a group of locally owned businesses – known as Illinois Made Makers – whose authentic products and one-of-a-kind experiences reflect the best of Illinois’ craftsmanship and culture. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with many of the businesses being woman-owned, LGBTQIA+-owned, and/or minority-owned. From U-pick lavender fields in Edwardsville, to handcrafted string instruments in Geneva, to treasured La Catedral Café, this year’s class of entrepreneurs demonstrates the wide range of Makers across Illinois.

“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Illinois’ economy, and the Illinois Made program supports the local artisans who help define our state’s unique character,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “This year’s class of Illinois Makers reflects the creativity and craftsmanship found in every corner of our state, inviting travelers to discover the experiences that make Illinois a true destination.”

As a part of the Illinois Made 2025 class, La Catedral Café is being celebrated for its cultural and culinary stamp on Illinois. Chef Gonzalez’s journey from immigrant beginnings and early restaurant ventures to become a neighborhood institution with multiple locations, including North Lawndale, Brighton Park, and the Loop, reflects true Maker spirit: resilience, creativity and community-rooted passion, according to DCEO.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Gonzalez had the ambition and tenacity to bring tasty family recipes and create a harmonious space in Chicago. Adorned with religious artifacts and stained glass, La Catedral not only offers up delicious Mexican cuisine, but also provides a sense of community when entering their doors. “We are more than just a business,” said Chef Gonzalez. “The best part of what I do is the ability to make connections with our customers because we see them as family. Little Village has given us so much support and love that this honor is really a large part due to them. We invite everyone to come to La Catedral to enjoy a delicious meal and enjoy a warm atmosphere.”

Launched in 2016, the Illinois Made program now includes 277 Makers. A few of the new Makers include: CrumbCrusherCupcakes – Oak Park, Gerry’s Cafe – Arlington Heights, Go Brewing – Naperville, and Lyon & Healy Harps – Chicago. If you would like to learn more about the Illinois Made Makers, visit www.enjoyillinois.com. To stay connect with La Catedral Café, visit www.lacatedralcafe.com.

Photo Credit: Choose Chicago
Photo Caption: La Catedral Café Chef and Owner Ambrocio “Bocho” Gonzalez receives Illinois Made Makers recognition.