Greater Freeport Partnership está comprometida a promover la equidad, celebrar la diversidad y crear una cultura de pertenencia en Freeport y el condado de Stephenson. Del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre se conmemora el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y el impacto de la cultura hispana en nuestras comunidades. Como organización de desarrollo empresarial para Freeport y el condado de Stephenson, aprovechamos esta oportunidad para destacar algunas de nuestras empresas de propiedad hispana y sus respuestas a preguntas sobre apoyo durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y durante todo el año.
The Greater Freeport Partnership is committed to promoting, equity, celebrating diversity, and creating a culture of belonging in Freeport and Stephenson County. September 15-October 15 commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month and the impact of the Hispanic culture in our communities. As the business development organization for Freeport and Stephenson County, we are taking this opportunity to highlight some of our Hispanic-owned businesses and their responses to questions regarding support during Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year.
We are thrilled to feature responses from Arturo Nava of Hispanic Cheese Makers-Nuestro-Queso, Claudia Palomino of La Patrona Cantina & Grill, and Jaime Rivas of Pretzel City Barbershop.
Introduce yourself and your business.
I am Arturo Nava, the Senior Marketing Director for Hispanic Cheese Makers-Nuestro Queso, LLC. I am originally from Mexico and have been with Hispanic Cheese Makers-Nuestro Queso for 10 years.
I came to the US in 1997 to do my MBA and then I stayed to grow my career in this great country. Since then, I have been building consumer and corporate brands for leading consumer products and food and beverage companies. In the last five years, I have also expanded into sales.
Hispanic Cheese Makers- Nuestro Queso LLC, was founded in 2009. We are a Kent-based private brand, co-packing and ingredient Hispanic cheese manufacturer for national retailers, top brands, distributors, and manufacturers. We offer an extensive assortment of top-quality Mexican, Caribbean, and Central American-style authentic cheese and creams, crafted with care and a personal sense of ownership using milk free of rBST hormones. We are proud of our state-of-the-art SQF level 3.0 certified plant with broad production capabilities and our commitment to sustainability and animal welfare. The company continues to invest in its production facility, recently completing a multi-phase $30MM+ plant expansion. The expansion included new loading docks, coolers and storage, major machinery and cheesemaking equipment, a test kitchen, new offices, and employee facilities.
Visit us at:
Hello, my name is Claudia Palomino, and I am the proud owner of La Patrona Cantina & Grill in Freeport. Our restaurant, located at 1725 S IHM Blvd, offers an authentic Mexican dining experience where we emphasize tradition, family, and great service. Alongside my partner Gustavo, we’ve built a business that reflects the values of our culture and community.
My name is Jaime Rivas. I am the owner of Pretzel City Barbershop. My family comes from Puerto Rico and I take much pride in my Puerto Rican culture. Being able to speak Spanish with multiple Hispanic cultures and providing them with a service cutting hair means everything to me.
How has your identity as a Hispanic individual influenced your journey as an EXECUTIVE, and what unique perspectives do you bring to your industry?
Nava – My Mexican/Hispanic identity has had a tremendous influence in my professional journey. The best example of this is my decision to join Hispanic Cheese Makers- Nuestro Queso 10 years ago. Since I started my career in the US, I wanted to help bring the aspects of the Mexican life that I love so much to this country. I have always been passionate about Mexican cheeses and food. So, in 2014, I jumped at the chance to join Hispanic Cheese Makers- Nuestro Queso – company that is expanding Hispanic culture in the US through its wonderful and authentic Mexican, Caribbean, and Central American style cheeses and creams.
Palomino – My identity as a Hispanic business owner has deeply shaped my journey. Growing up in a culture that values hard work, family, and vibrant traditions has inspired the way I approach running La Patrona. The flavors, colors, and warm hospitality of Mexico are at the heart of our restaurant’s identity. We bring a unique perspective to the industry by blending authentic Mexican recipes with a sense of community, where our customers feel like family. Our commitment to service excellence is also a reflection of the pride and passion we have for our heritage.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you as an executive and how can the community support you during this time?
Nava – Hispanic Heritage Month is a reminder and celebration of the deep impact that Hispanics have had in this country. It is a very important month for our company as we celebrate our many talented and hard-working Hispanic workers who make authentic Hispanic cheeses that are such an important part of Hispanic culture in America.
The community can support us by trying our delicious Hispanic cheeses and creams. We make the cheese for many brands across the nation. In Stephenson County and the Midwest, you’ll find our cheese under the Nuestro Queso brand in Hispanic grocery stores.
Palomino – Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of pride and reflection for me. It’s a chance to celebrate our culture’s contributions to the larger American story while sharing the rich traditions that have been passed down through generations. As a business owner, it’s a time to showcase what makes our restaurant special — our food, music, and warm hospitality – all deeply rooted in Mexican traditions.
During Hispanic Heritage Month, the community can support us by coming together to celebrate our culture. Whether it’s visiting La Patrona to enjoy a meal with family and friends or simply spreading the word about local Hispanic-owned businesses, every gesture helps to uplift and strengthen our community.
Rivas – Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to look back and see where my family has come from and where I am now. The progression of how we have moved forward means a lot to me and I hope others can see how far we have made it, also. It is an inspiration for others to see what they can make happen in their lives.
