CASA CHICAS

Luis Campos Chicas, immigrant from El Salvador, is the proud owner of Casa Chicas. After several years in the food industry, Luis decided to use his dedication to hard work and his limited savings and pursued his dream of business ownership.

He began by working out of his home to create "the best line of homemade salsas, chips, and guacamole." After generating his initial line of products, he began his sales efforts, managing to generate about $500 during the early months."

Determined to get the company off the ground, Luis approached the BDC for help in 2002. The BDC provided Casa Chicas with marketing and sales training, support in reorganizing the company's structure, and assistance with personnel issues. "My native language is Spanish," comments Luis. "Having received services in Spanish has allowed us to address our business needs effectively."

What initially began as a dream has transformed into a fast growing manufacturing company, which is employing over 25 individuals, primarily residents from the area, and is generating over $1 million in sales. The company that began its operations out of a kitchen has already outgrown its current commercial site, and Casa Chicas is now working with the BDC to secure a larger facility that will accomodate its continued expansion.

Casa Chicas has been featured on ABC news and in the Contra Costa Times for their contribution to the community and was recently honored as the "2005 Small Business of the Year" by Assemblywoman Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley) on June 15, 2005. With the fast growing appeal of their products and their continued development, the BDC is proud to highlight Casa Chicas as one of its growing number of success stories.

• Casa Chicas
• 1009 Factory St.
• Richmond, CA 94801
• tel: (510) 234-9445