Meet Your New Neighbor: Family-Owned Moreno’s opens in lemont downtown
Photo by Molly Hebda Photography
It’s truly a joy to cook a meal for someone you love or to grow your passion into a business. It’s even better when you’re able to build that dream with family. Lemont Downtown is known as a close-knit community with business owners looking out for each other. For the team at Moreno’s, they’re building their family legacy inspired by the streets of their own hometown — one delicious taco at a time — in the heart of Lemont Downtown.
K: HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR MORENO’S RESTAURANT? ¿CÓMO CONSEGUISTES LA IDEA PARA EL RESTAURANTE?
M: We got the idea from our hometown of Morelos in Cuernavaca, Mexico (about 90 minutes south of Mexico City). Some of our dishes and salsas are specialties in Morelos. The name of the restaurant is our last name.
K: WHAT MAKES MORENO’S SPECIAL? ¿QUÉ HACE ESPECIAL A MORENO’S?
M: We are a family-owned and operated business. We have most of our family working including my brother, wife, parents, kids, and I. This has always been a dream of ours and we put our heart and soul into our recipes.
The Moreno Family | Photo by Molly Hebda Photography
K: DO YOU HAVE PREVIOUS RESTAURANT OR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE? ¿TIENES EXPERIENCIA PREVIA EN RESTAURANTES O NEGOCIOS?
M: I have been in the restaurant business since I was a teenager. I started out as a line cook and worked my way up. For the last six years, I was a Chef for a restaurant in downtown Chicago and I am currently back working for Coopers Hawk as an executive chef. My brother has been a butcher for over 25 years and also has experience in restaurants. His butcher experience helps us ensure we provide the best quality meats.
Photo by Molly Hebda Photography
K: HOW DID YOU CHOOSE LEMONT FOR YOUR LOCATION? ¿CÓMO ELIGIÓ LEMONT PARA SU UBICACIÓN?
M: We were lucky enough to be offered this space by my brother’s boss. We fell in love with the wonderful neighborhood and location. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. We really appreciate everything.
K: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DISH ON THE MENU? ¿CUÁL ES SU PLATO FAVORITO DEL MENÚ?
M: The Moreno Special which includes Steak, mole enchiladas, rice and frijoles de laolla. (Don’t forget to add some delicious salsas from our Salsa Bar! )
K: I never knew I had the dream of an entire BAR Dedicated to salsa but I do now. That’s incredible!
M: People love it.
K: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BUSINESSES IN LEMONT? ¿CUÁLES SON ALGUNOS DE SUS NEGOCIOS LOCALES FAVORITOS EN LEMONT?
M: Our friends over at Digs on Canal and our kids enjoy going to the Creamery for some treats.
In this village built by dreamers, we are so proud to have another family-owned locally-owned and operated restaurant for the community to enjoy full of freshly cook, high-quality food. Get on out and give it a try!
Moreno’s is located at 113 Stephen St. They are currently open on Mondays from 4-9 pm and Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 9 pm. View the entire menu here and learn more at morenosrestaurantlemont.com
