On the recordJanuary 9, 2026
I rise today to honor Food Market La Chiquita on their 40th anniversary. In 1986, Alfredo Linares, an immigrant from Mexico, took a chance. He got a loan and bought a corner store in my neighborhood of Little Village. Four decades later, you can find La Chiquita stores throughout the metro Chicago area, and it continues to be a family-owned business that makes each customer feel welcome and part of the family. When you walk into any of their stores, you are greeted by the vibrant colors of the fresh produce and the unmistakable aromas coming from the kitchen, an invitation not just to shop but to feel at home. It is almost impossible to go shopping and not get some tacos from La Chiquita's in-store restaurants. Some days, you will find me chowing down on a torta and chatting with constituents on their break from work. The secret to their success is simple but powerful: high-quality products, exceptional service for their customers, and a deep understanding of the community. I look forward to many more decades of success for La Chiquita. I congratulate them.
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