Latino Voices

Owners of La Michoacána Shop Sharing Mexico’s Ice Cream Culture With Chicagoans


Owners of La Michoacána Shop Sharing Mexico’s Ice Cream Culture With Chicagoans

For Alfredo Garcia, interacting with customers is just one part of the job. 

He’s the owner of Paleteria Las Delicias de la Michoacána, 6649 N. Clark St.  

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Garcia and his wife, Irma, have spent the last two years mastering their ice cream making skills.  

Ice cream is a huge deal in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán. Business owners like Garcia are sharing a piece of that sweet culture with Chicago.  

From ice cream, to paletas, also known as popsicles, everything is homemade at this shop.

From working as a carpenter, to owning his ice cream parlor, Garcia shared his thoughts about the motivation behind his business.   

“I did know that I wanted to open something where I can help other people,” he said.

Knowing what it’s like to migrate to a new county, Irma Garcia says she finds pride in giving people opportunities. 

“When you see people who just arrived and you can feel their pain of leaving their land and family,” Irma Garcia said. “We try to give them a small piece of hope that they can do it and push forward.”  

The history of La Michoacána goes back decades to a small town named Tocumbo in Michoacán.

The brand name has given people like the Garcias opportunities to open their own independent businesses.


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