Fuego Celebration: Hispanic Heritage Month off to Hot Start

The Coyotes kicked off their Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Friday night at
Fuego Mexican Grill and Cantina
in Tolleson.
President and CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez hosted the event and introduced the organization's new Small Business Recognition partnership with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Univision. The collaboration will celebrate Latino-owned businesses.

"We're very excited about all of the events that we're going to be doing this month," Gutierrez said. "It's a lot. It's very comprehensive. It's very special to Alex Meruelo, his family and myself, given our cultural background. Tonight is about the recognition of a small business -- and we're recognizing Fuego, as a first of what will be a monthly celebration throughout the season."
Members of the Coyotes' Latino Advisory Council, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and a number of local, elected officials attended the fest.
Gutierrez highlighted the evening by announcing Fuego Mexican Grill and Cantina and owner Diego Espinoza as the first winner of the Small Business Recognition.

The Coyotes will host Espinoza, his family and friends in a suite at a Coyotes game this season. Fuego will receive a year's worth of marketing campaigns across all Univision channels throughout the Valley.
Espinoza has been a councilman for the City of Tolleson; the city Vice Mayor, and currently is serving his eighth and final year as a state representative for Legislative District 19. He will be running for Senate in 2022.
"I was completely shocked," said Espinoza, who also received a custom "Fuego" Coyotes Kachina jersey. "During Covid-19, I didn't know if I was going to make it. I was working the drive-thru window here six hours a day, and then working at UPS at night, just trying to keep the lights on. So, coming full circle, this is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm just so gracious to showcase not only my restaurant, but my community and what I stand for for the constituents of legislative district 19."

"For me, it's always personal to work with small businesses," the Coyotes' Gutierrez said. "To see these individuals who struggle, who sacrifice so much, whose families sacrifice so much, it's really important for us as an organization to really recognize them, to celebrate them, to support them. So, for me, it's always really special when I get a chance to say hello, introduce myself and welcome these business owners and businesses and say we recognize you, we support you, we celebrate you, and we want to be part of your journey."
Fuego is family owned and operated, four generations deep. It was started by Espinoza's great grandfather.
"This is four generations of entities that I am now carrying," Espinoza said. "So, this is a huge lift for me, and I am very proud to say that I still keep my family's legacy going. We wanted to create a staple for the city of Tolleson, something to be proud of, something where people could enjoy our great food with great recipes ranging from my great grandmother's to my own. Fortunately enough, I had the opportunity to work the grill with my great grandmother, so I get to cook those recipes today."
Fuego Mexican Grill and Cantina also is involved with numerous non-profit organizations in Tolleson. Their biggest event of the year, Fuego de Mayo, attracts up to 8,000 people over a multiple-day celebration during Cinco de Mayo that includes international artists and street shows. The monies provide scholarships for young women in Tolleson.
The
Coyotes have an expansive plan
for the remainder of Hispanic Heritage Month, including: street hockey clinics at local boys and girls clubs; a "Los Howlitos" hockey clinic at AZ Ice Peoria; a school assembly presentation at Arizona Desert Academy, and a mural painted by renowned Valley Latino artist Martin Moreno.

Photo Credits: Janelle Etzel