One of Pittsburgh’s most popular Hispanic restaurants, Chicken Latino, has relocated to Beechview after more than 10 years serving customers in the Strip District area. This is a new chapter in Preuvian owner Shelbin Santos’s journey of bringing Hispanic food to the Pittsburgh area.
“In the early 2000s I missed my culture and the food so much. There really weren’t any authentic Hispanic restaurants around. I knew many other Latinos probably felt the same way and I wanted to bring authentic dishes to our community.”
When Shelbin arrived in Pittsburgh in the early 2000s, like many immigrants she worked blue collar jobs hoping to live the American Dream someday. Her dedication and good work ethic helped her quickly transition into the corporate world. From there Shelbin found a way to make her dream of owning a Hispanic restaurant a reality.
In 2007 she opened Chicken Latino on 21st Street in the Strip District. Both Latinos and local Pittsburghers welcomed the flavors and authentic flare of the spot. Many Hispanic visitors shared their happiness in finally finding a place offering the rice, beans, tostones, and yuca they missed so much. Chicken Latino grew more popular over the years.
Pittsburgh’s Latino community also continued to increase exponentially over time with many settling in the Beechview area and organizations serving Hispanics like Casa San Jose and the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation (PHDC) are based there. Faced with this trend and the rising costs of rent in the Strip District, Shelbin made the decision to move Chicken Latino.
On July 28, after months of anticipation and a pandemic wreacking havoc in the dining industry, Chicken Latino finally opened its doors in Beechview. Mayor Bill Peduto, Senator Wayne Fontana, and local leaders were in attendance at a (Covid-19 era) masked ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The community has welcomed her with open arms since the opening, showing their encouragement during these challenging times. Neighbors and old followers are ordering take out and delivery, while organizations are inquiring about their catering services. Shelbin shared her optimism.
“The Hispanic community is thriving and growing all over the region. It was the best time to move to Beechview! 2020 has been challenging, but I am excited for what the future holds. There is plenty of opportunity for prosperity here in Pittsburgh.”
Congratulations to Chicken Latino on the move to their new location. PRESENTE wished much success to Shelbin and her team!
Chicken Latino serves Authentic Peruvian food at 2100 Broadway Avenue (15216). Visit their website for more information and to view their menu.
