Spicing Up Heritage: Celebrating Mexican Heritage Month & Independence

$10 per person includes admission,
a welcome shot of tequila, live DJ and Mariachis
Mexican Heritage Month Special
September 15 - October 15

Receive 15% off your tab,
4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday – Friday,
when you mention Hispanic Heritage Month.

Moe's Cantina River North
155 W. Kinzie
Chicago IL 60654
312-245-2000
https://www.moescantina.com/

Mexican Independence Day
September 15, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Live Mariachi

La Luna
Mexican Heritage Month
September 15 - October 15
Receive 20% off Latinx-owned tequila/mezcal flights.

1726 W. Racine Ave.
Chicago IL 60608
(312)238-8967
https://www.lalunachicago.com/

Chicago, IL - The rich tapestry of Chicago's culinary landscape has long been shaped by immigrant families, each adding their unique flavors to the city's vibrant food culture. Among these, the Sanchez family stands out as a testament to the importance of preserving their Mexican heritage while bringing exciting new vibes to the Windy City's restaurant scene.

Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning September 12 and running through October 12, holds special significance for the Sanchez family, as it's a time when they reflect on their roots, celebrate their achievements, and continue to nurture the traditions that define them.

Meet Korina and Samantha Sanchez, two dynamic Latina sisters who have taken the reins of their father's Third Coast Hospitality Group, a culinary empire that has become synonymous with unforgettable Mexican cuisine experiences in Chicago. Raised in the restaurant business, their journey is a testament to how cultural heritage can blend seamlessly with entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.

As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, the Sanchez family's story is a celebration of Mexican heritage and the American dream. "It makes me feel very happy because I feel like I'm doing more than just opening up a restaurant for myself," Samantha says. "Seeing a Latina entrepreneur does push others to want to pursue their dreams and be less intimidated to stand out in a more male-dominated industry."

For the Sanchez family, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to remember their roots, celebrate their journey, and continue to create spaces where Chicagoans can savor the flavors of Mexico while enjoying a sense of community. Their story serves as a testament to the importance of cultural heritage in shaping the city's culinary identity and as an inspiration to the next generation of entrepreneurs, especially women in the restaurant industry.

Third Coast Hospitality, founded by their father, Sam Sanchez, in 1992, has become a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine in Chicago. With iconic venues like Moe's Cantina, Tree House, and Old Crow Smokehouse, the Sanchez family has created spaces where foodies and culture enthusiasts alike come together, sharing the joy of a "carne asada," a Mexican party filled with music, tequila, and mouthwatering barbecue.

Korina and Samantha's connection to their family's restaurant empire runs deep. From their earliest days, they learned the ropes by donning aprons and meticulously cleaning ketchup and mustard bottles, all for a meager $5 tip. As they grew, so did their responsibilities, from serving and bartending to hosting and managing. In 2021, they officially took over all business operations, with their father offering guidance from the sidelines.

Their father's journey, from a teenage porter in Chicago to becoming a restaurant industry titan, provided the inspiration for the sisters to chart their own course. With their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, they have expanded their family's restaurant portfolio, most notably with the creation of La Luna, a modern Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar in Pilsen, and Tree House, a playful and inspiring space that emerged during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the Sanchez sisters aren't just restaurateurs. They bring their diverse talents and experiences to the table. Korina, a practicing attorney, returned to the family business with a mission to create visibility and opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs. She serves on the board of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Illinois Restaurant Association, and is the board president of Chicago-based non-profit Latinos Progresando. Samantha, with a background in art and design, injects creativity into every aspect of Third Coast's restaurants, ensuring that the dining experience is a visual and culinary delight.

Collaborating closely with culinary director Marco Colin, the sisters infuse traditional Mexican dishes with innovative twists, creating a culinary journey that's both authentic and enticing. From streamlined menus to creatively crafted cocktails like the Oaxacan Old-Fashioned and the best-selling Holy Water, they continue to push boundaries while respecting tradition.

Encanto Agave Bar and Cava Room at Moe's Cantina are testaments to their commitment to offering patrons more than just a meal; they provide a place where people can have fun, celebrate, and connect with Mexican culture.

La Luna Mexican Independence Day Video

Click to play video

Delicious Food and Drink at La Luna in Pilsen
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
Photo Credit: La Luna Chicago

About Third Coast Hospitality
Third Coast Hospitality Group is an owner/operator of several popular and highly respected eating and drinking establishments that also serve as attractive venues for events large and small. They include Moe’s Cantina (2 locations), Old Crow Smokehouse, Tree House Chicago, Tunnel Chicago, and La Luna. Encanto and Cava Room are dedicated primarily to private events.

The venues can host private and semi-private events, corporate parties and celebrations, conference & meeting spaces, live events, holiday parties, fundraisers, cocktail receptions, product launches, bountiful dining, and just about anything else at our signature spaces, with a capacity of up to 800 people at some venues.

Third Coast Hospitality Group is owned by Korina and Samantha Sanchez and is a successful and growing women-owned, Latina-owned business.

For more information about Third Coast Hospitality Group and its establishments, including special events and promotions, please visit http://thirdcoasthg.com and the websites of the individual restaurants: https://moescantina.com, https://www.treehousechicago.com , https://oldcrowsmokehouse.com, https://www.lalunachicago.com, and https://www.tunnelchicago.com, https://www.encantochicago.com and https://www.moescantina.com/cava-room