Preserving a Legacy at Los 3 Hermanos Restaurant
Los 3 Hermanos Restaurant is a family-owned business that has proudly served the North Hills community for over 40 years. Originally founded by his father, owner Orlando Gutiérrez has continued the family legacy for nearly three decades, maintaining the restaurant’s flagship location and commitment to authentic, high-quality food. In recent years, the business faced significant challenges stemming from the lingering impacts of COVID-19, rising operating costs, civil unrest, immigration enforcement activity, and infrastructure issues. Aging equipment—including a failing HVAC system and malfunctioning freezers—posed serious operational and food safety risks. Without immediate financial support, the restaurant faced the potential loss of staff and further instability.
ICON’s Business Source Center conducted a comprehensive business needs assessment and provided hands-on technical assistance focused on access to capital and job retention. ICON worked closely with the client to prepare and package a complete loan application, including financial statements, tax returns, bank records, and equipment repair documentation, and coordinated directly with the lender throughout the process. As a result of ICON’s support, Los 3 Hermanos successfully secured a $48,000 business loan through BMO, providing critical working capital to stabilize operations. During this process, ICON also identified that the business—although recognized as a Legacy Business—had not applied for the Legacy Grant. ICON guided the client through RAMP enrollment, compliance requirements, and the full application process.
Through continued advocacy and follow-up, the business was approved for an additional $20,000 Legacy Grant, bringing total financial assistance to $68,000. The combined funding allowed the client to cover payroll expenses, repair the failing HVAC system, and fix freezers that were not operating properly—improvements essential to maintaining daily operations and compliance. ICON’s assistance directly resulted in the retention of five local jobs that were at immediate risk of being lost. Today, Los 3 Hermanos is operating with improved stability, safer working conditions, and renewed confidence in its financial outlook. This success story reflects ICON’s client-centered approach and demonstrates the measurable impact of targeted technical assistance, access to capital, and proactive advocacy in preserving small businesses and local jobs.
