Known to make some of the best pupusas around, Lorena is the owner of El Mirador, an El Salvadoran restaurant in Belmont Cragin. Like many fellow business owners, Lorena’s sales have taken a hit during the pandemic. “My business has seen 60% less sales since this pandemic has started. It’s hard for people to spend money when they don't have it,” Lorena said.
“The most challenging aspect,” she shared, “has been cutting the opening and closing hours, and having to put in more hours myself because I had to let some employees go.” Despite the incredible challenges posed by the pandemic, Lorena has used this summer as an opportunity to look into expanding El Mirador’s outdoor seating.
She shared, “I will soon be another business with a sidewalk patio. I think it’s very beautiful to have customers enjoy their food outside while they enjoy the beauty of our neighborhood..”
We were honored to help Lorena apply for the permits and insurance needed to expand to outdoor seating, as well as other resources. “Some of the blessing that I have received are grants from SBAD and rental assistance from NWSCDC. I also have to say just having moral support from the NWSCDC has helped me not give up.”