We recently connected with Vanessa Arochi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

What sets us apart is our dedication to authenticity and our holistic approach to business. We are not just selling meals; we are sharing a piece of our heritage and building a movement that challenges the status quo. We stand as proof that a business can thrive on the principles of mutual support and community, especially in a world that sometimes feels like it’s lacking in both.

We are passionate about crafting a space that’s free from toxicity, grounded in respect, love, and compassion—even within the often tumultuous realm of the culinary industry. Our goal is to dignify kitchen work and celebrate our culture without leaning on stereotypes, demonstrating that the food industry can indeed operate on principles that prioritize people and community over profits alone.

Vanessa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story with your readers. I am originally from the vibrant city of Mexico City, and about a decade ago, I embarked on a new chapter of my life by moving to the United States with my husband. By training, I am a biochemical engineer with a specialization in Food Science, and during my time in San Francisco, I further expanded my expertise by diving into computer science. This multidisciplinary education has been pivotal in the way I approach my craft and business.

Adapting to a new country came with its challenges, the most prominent of which was finding a job in my field. However, with my husband’s unwavering support, we decided to take our fate into our own hands and thus Chilango PDX was born. Chilango PDX is more than a restaurant—it’s a vibrant homage to Mexico City street food with a vegan twist, and a beacon of our values and philosophy.

At Chilango PDX, we are committed to doing business with heart. We provide not just food, but an experience—offering a tapestry of flavors that are true to my Mexican roots and family traditions, all while aligning with the compassionate values of veganism. Our approach to business is collaborative, and we see ourselves as a community rather than a mere workplace. We ensure that our team is provided with livable wages, profit-sharing opportunities, and most importantly, a voice in the business. We strive to foster a positive and dynamic environment where creativity is nurtured, and personal growth is as much a part of our mission as financial success.

I am most proud of the community we’ve built—both within our walls and with our customers who share our vision. To our potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that when you step into Chilango PDX, you are stepping into a piece of my heart, my home, and a community that believes in the power of togetherness. I invite you to join us in this culinary and cultural journey that celebrates life, heritage, and the potential of what a business can achieve when it’s built on a foundation of compassion and collaboration.

As we continue to grow and share the warmth of genuine Mexican hospitality through our vegan street food, we deeply value the support of our community. If our vision resonates with you, we invite you to join us at Chilango PDX, not only as customers but as allies in a movement that celebrates culture, sustainability, and the human spirit. Your support helps us keep this dream alive, and together, we can continue to create an environment that honors our roots and upholds our values. Come taste the passion behind our dishes and be a part of our story that’s just as much yours as it is ours.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At Chilango PDX, we foster a sense of community and deep respect for our patrons, recognizing them as essential allies in our mission for positive change. We connect with our customers through heartfelt personal interactions in our restaurant, creating a space where their contributions are celebrated. Our commitment to authenticity in every meal and every conversation is what builds our brand loyalty – it’s a shared journey towards a more compassionate and sustainable world.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey with ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder is not marked by triumphs alone, but by a continuous learning process and the daily navigation of a path that is far from perfect. Running Chilango PDX, every day presents new scenarios where the fast-paced environment could have easily amplified my challenges. In the whirlwind of a professional kitchen, the fast-paced environment was a minefield for someone prone to distraction. Orders were missed, ingredients forgotten—each day felt like walking a tightrope of meticulous details where one slip could mean chaos.

Instead of striving for a perfection that doesn’t accommodate my reality, I’ve embraced a philosophy of riding the wave—working with my unique set of strengths and challenges rather than against them. I’ve implemented systems and crafted routines that turn the tide in my favor, allowing me to flow with the day’s demands rather than getting caught in the undercurrent.
This approach has turned what some might see as imperfections into a wellspring of innovation. It has also been a humbling reminder that the journey of self-improvement never truly ends. Each day is a lesson in patience, a step towards greater understanding, and a chance to refine the strategies that make life not just manageable, but joyfully vibrant.

I still have much to learn and miles to travel on this winding road. But now, I know that it’s not about fighting the current or fearing the missteps, but rather learning to harness my own rhythm, to ride the waves of challenge and change with grace and to trust in the journey itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.chilangopdx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chilangopdx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chilangopdx
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chilangopdx
• Twitter: @chilangopdx
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chilango-pdx-portland?osq=chilango+pdx