We had the good fortune of connecting with Pablo De Leon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pablo, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I come from a family of street vendors. I remember most of my childhood helping my father sell elotes and raspados in the street out side of church, laundrys, parks and schools. My mother did as well, she will sell tamales and champurrado outside of St. Malequias Church on sundays..I remember people will love her cooking! So she started to take orders for events.

Growing up my mother will always motivate us to stay in school and obtain a career to have a good job with benefits. Once I graduated I realized I didn’t wanted to be boss around, or have a job where I could be replaceable. My parents without knowing they were business owners, entrepreneurs but they were called street vendors because we didn’t understand the value and hard work they did everyday to keep their little hustle going regardless of their status in this country. So I decided to become my own boss, I decided to be an ENTREPRENEUR and open my own small hotdog business!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Shady’s Hotdogs is a family buisiness! My sisters and wife help me when ever I need assistance in big events. We have also take our kids at small pop-ups, to teach them what it takes to run a small business and everyting you do that customers don’t see! The preping, the set up, permits ect…

I believe this is why we stand out the most. Our menu is not only one size one serving. Shady has a variety of sizes of sausages to make families feel welcome and most importanly satisfied their craving with the right size!! We are not only in pop-ups…you can find us at food festivals, sport tournaments, catering events, city events. We travel!! We want to take DTLA dogs to you!!

It wasn’t easy!! There were so many obstucles at first with food permits, license and the right equipment. We struggle for sure in that area but we get help from our good friends RED’S PIZZA and 909 Open Market who help us grow

We struggle! Defenetly our first year, every dollar we had we invested back in good equipment, permits, fresh products, marketing, uniforms, everyhting you can think of so we can form Shady’s Hotdogs. I am proud of what we have achive today!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I will not be where I am today if it wasnt for my mother! Unfortunately she passed away 3 yrs ago but her words of encouragement will always remind in y heart. She is the main reason behind Shady’s Hotdogs.

Instagram: shadys_hotodgs

Facebook: Shadys Hotdogs

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