Springfield Commission on International Visitors

My name is Luis, I am from Bolivia, to be more specific the City of Cochabamba, a place considered the gourmet city of my country, a beautiful valley that blends with mountains on the side where we enjoy life and yes we love food!, “WE LIVE TO EAT, NOT EAT TO LIVE” A GOOD MEAL AND A FULL BELLY MEANS A HAPPY HEART!

Growing up, my own little world kept slowly getting bigger after every trip, seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, opening my head to new ideas, future trips and experiences were always part of my average day dreaming.

I never thought I would move to the United States and I Never thought i would open a restaurant, I had an idea of my future, it was totally different from what I am today, and a restaurant called ROOTS in Springfield Illinois, was never part of my plans. But like many people would say, life is unpredictable, gives you surprises and takes you to far away places.

Roots Latin grill opened on October 15th 2019, Over this almost 7 years, I had the chance to meet so many amazing people and along with my awesome staff we gave our best to provide great food and service to anyone willing to try something different.

Over the years, We barely survived the pandemic, awful economic times, every thing that could have happened happen, I opened a bar SOCAVON, and it went ok for some time, but eventually became unsustainable, it was sad because We put lots of love, resources, personal sacrifice, time and effort into making it, but in life sometimes that it is not enough to succeed.

Today with heavy heart I have to share that Roots will be closing at the end of this week. I know it is sudden and with no warning, i know people deserves and wants to have an answer to the reasons for closing, i know i will have many different reactions and opinions, some will praise, some will bash the restaurant. But that is part of the business.
Honestly sometimes is hard to understand how difficult it is the day to day life of a small business trying to survive.

There are multiple reasons but I will say that unfortunately I can not keep up with the business anymore, there are so many factors that made this unsustainable.

It is complicated because sometimes you will see that we are a tad busy on a rush day and that can be misleading, because a couple hours on one or two decent days don’t make up for a slow week, the times of us having the restaurant full of reservations couple days in advance are long gone.

Over the last years I have been putting everything of myself into this business trying to keep it a float, and it has taken a big toll for me, economically, mentally, emotionally and physically. I truly wish things would be different, but I have no other option, it is what it is.

I have to praise my amazing customers for their patience and loyalty, and I can not leave without saying thank you!! For everything!!!

Thank you to everyone that was part of roots at some point, but specially to my current staff:

ABBY you have been such an importan part of all, Roots and Socavon would never have been able to shine without your help and dedication, you always did your job above and beyond your duties, you are a great coworker and an amazing friend, best manager ever! You have a heart of gold.

ALEX your engaging sweet personality and amazing drinks made our customers keep coming back just to see you, your knowledge of the food and drinks is just amazing.

STEVENS your fun humor, hard work and incredible ethics are something rare to find, you made our customers laugh and be happy to be here, you are truly excellent at anything you do.

ADIA your fun and upbeat personality was always a breath of fresh air, you made life so easygoing, even in the worst days you laughing with the staff made any bad day better.

GERMAN and ALICIA best kitchen staff ever, thank you so much for keeping up with me and being loyal and staying next to me during the worse times, specially while the ship was sinking, I have to take my hat off specially for German because he is extremely hard working and the best chef I know, thank you so much for everything you have done for me.

GIO thank you for making all this possible you helped me so much opening this place, you gave me so many ideas and support during the worst times. And most important you were there to balance my messy work life and raising the boys.

My handsome boys ALEJANDRO and ANDRES, you two were and are my biggest treasure, the fuel to try better, you make my life so happy and just have the gift to bring me comfort even when I feel like there is no option and I feel like my world is crumbling .

Mr JOYNER, thank you for believing in my, you gave me the chance to open a business when I had nothing, you were patient and understanding during all this time. You helped me so much and I am grateful.

Thank you my friends because you have been putting up with me, in my bad days and during my constant struggles, things that would make any one abandon the ship at the first sign of trouble, thank you for your being here, you have an incredible work ethic, your dedication and hard work are something you rarely find. I for sure could not have made it this far without any of you, you are amazing.

I wish I could have done better, unfortunately sometimes good things don’t last for ever.

Thank you so much for this wonderful years, SALUD! AND BUEN PROVECHO!.

Luis.

Nice anecdote from a great downtown business…

Our newest exhibit, Mi Casa es Tu Casa is now open on the second floor of the ISM-Springfield! We couldn’t be more proud of the student curators from the Beardstown High School Spanish Club who helped create this exhibit celebrating their identities and their community.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, and the Illinois State Museum Society.