Story & Lesson Highlights with Amancio Gomez of Woodridge

Amancio Gomez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Amancio, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Early gym, come back make the kids lunch and breakfast before school time and walk our dog right after

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Amancio Gómez, and I’m originally from Michoacán, Mexico. I’m the proud owner of Los Arcos Mexican Grill, which I opened 25 years ago with a dream of bringing a piece of my childhood to life. Some of my fondest memories are of my mother cooking for our family, and I wanted to share that same love, flavor, and authenticity with the community here in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

At Los Arcos, we believe food is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Our motto is “We have lots to Taco ’bout!” because we’re all about making people smile through flavor, tradition, and creativity. Our menu is rooted in authentic Mexican recipes, but what makes us unique is how we blend those traditions with a vibrant, modern, and colorful atmosphere.

Over the years, our goal has remained the same: to serve the best Mexican food around while creating a space where people feel at home. We’re proud of our journey and excited to keep sharing the culture, flavors, and hospitality that inspired Los Arcos in the first place.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me the most about work were my dad and my brothers. From an early age, they showed me the true value of working hard and staying committed. I had the opportunity to work alongside my two older brothers, Porfirio and Heriberto, who not only introduced me to the restaurant business but also supported me every step of the way when I decided to open my own place. Their guidance and example played a huge role in shaping the person and business owner I am today.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. The first few years after opening the restaurant were the hardest—sales were low, and no matter how many different tactics we tried to bring customers in, nothing seemed to work. It felt like we just couldn’t crack the recipe for success. I’ll never forget when my business administrator told me, “If this year we don’t at least break even, we’ll have to make the difficult decision to sell the business.” Hearing that was tough, but it also lit a fire in me. Instead of giving up, I doubled down, worked harder, and kept believing in the dream. Looking back now, I’m grateful I pushed through those tough times, because they shaped the business into what it is today.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. What people see is who I truly am. That also reflects on how I want my customers to feel when they come to the restaurant—I want them to see my happiness and feel genuinely welcome, like they’re part of the family.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my family—having my kids and my wife by my side at a family gathering, surrounded by my brothers and sisters. Those moments, sharing food, laughter, and stories with the people I love most, make me feel truly grounded and at my best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arcosmexicangrill.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcos_woodridge/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ArcosWoodridge
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LosArcosMexicanGrillWoodridge/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/los-arcos-mexican-and-grill-woodridge
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@arcoswoodridge

Image Credits
Emmory Castelan