We’ve always known that it’s important to support small businesses, but this past year has really proved that our dollars make a difference. Because when you shop local, you’re not just spending money. You’re supporting our neighbors and giving back to our community!
Today, we wanted to highlight a few of our favorite Latin and Hispanic-owned small businesses, so you can check them out next time you’re in Indy. From beauty salons to comedy clubs, these places are all open for business and would welcome your support.
FOR BEAUTY:
1. EVELYN’S BEAUTY SALON
If you’re in search of a chic place to go for a haircut or style, then Evelyn’s Beauty Salon is the place for you! They specialize in services such as Dominican blow outs, hair coloring, and hair extensions. If you’re looking to switch up your style, their consultants will work to find a look that’s perfectly tailored to you!
Pro Tip: Evelyn’s Beauty Salon offers a free clean-up cut between your appointments so you can be sure that you’ll always look your best.
https://evelynsbeautysalon1.godaddysites.com/
2. JASMINE LASH & BROW STUDIO
Waxing, facials, and microblading? Jasmine Lash & Brow Studio truly offers it all! And if you want to give your lashes an extra lift, you can even ask for colored lash extensions! Owner Yesica Pedraza has been working as a licensed esthetician since 2014, and when she decided to open her first studio in 2017, she named it after her daughter Jasmine. Yesica always strives to provide an unforgettable experience so that every client can have the confidence to stand out!
Pro Tip: Jasmine Lash & Brow Studio offers special deals throughout the week. On Brow Wednesday you can get your eyebrows shaped and tinted for only $25.
https://jasminesspa.com/
FOR ENTERTAINMENT:
3. Gutty’s Comedy Club
Get ready to laugh! Founded by Steve Rivera and Dennis Tooley, Gutty’s Comedy Club performs clean stand-up comedy for audiences of all ages. All of that laughing might leave you hungry, but don’t worry! Gutty’s sells pizza by the slice along with a variety of other snacks to munch while you watch. They even have fun merch available for all die-hard Gutty’s fans out there. (And if you’re not a fan yet, you will be!) Check out their mobile app for tickets to their next show.
Pro Tip: Can’t make it to a live show? No problem! You can even visit Gutty’s Comedy Club through the metaverse. You can put on a VR headset and visit their venue in the Horizon Worlds game. Everyone deserves to enjoy a night of great jokes—even if its only virtually!
4. Jose & Sons Ice Sculptures
Ice, ice baby! If you’re looking for a way to make your party cool this summer, you should check out Jose & Sons Ice Sculptures! With 25 years of experience, this family-owned business has created beautiful and unique frozen sculptures for countless weddings, holiday parties, and special events all across Indy. From corporate logos to Thanksgiving turkeys, their past work shows just how much skill and creativity goes into their ice-carving craft.
Pro Tip: Take a look at their alcohol ice sculpture creations! There’s no better way to keep your drinks chilled all night long!
FOR FOOD:
5. ARTISAN BAKERY & PASTRIES
Looking for a place with traditional Mexican breads and sweets? How about a variety of handcrafted cakes and cookies? Well, look no further than Artisan Bakery and Pastries! This location offers a unique twist on their classic bakes. Their pastries actually combine Mexican and European flavors, giving their creations an original flare that can only be described as delicious.
Must Try: While most of their empanadas include fruit, Artisan’s famous cream cheese empanadas are a rare pastry you’ll love to eat!
6. DON JUAN V’S SANDWICHES
Family-owned and operated, Don Juan V’s Sandwiches serve the most authentic Peruvian food in Indiana while also providing excellent customer service. When it comes to running a restaurant, the family behind Don Juan V’s are truly the experts. They carefully hand-pick all of their produce and meats to ensure that their customers only eat the very best! And although their family is Mexican, they are truly proud to serve the most delicious Peruvian cuisine in town with traditional flavors and spices.
Must Try: Their best-selling steak sandwich: Lomo Saltado. The sandwich is filled with a savory blend of beef tenderloin, sauteed onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
7. GOMEZ BBQ
If you’re in the mood for some Indianapolis craft barbecue, then head on over to Gomez BBQ! Owner Michael Gomez is an Indianapolis native who’s been cooking his entire life to perfect his signature sauce. After spending many years experimenting with cooking techniques from around the world, it’s no wonder why his barbecue is famous for being “slowly smoked to perfection.”
Must Try: We can’t recommend Gomez BBQ without mentioning their brisket sandwich, featuring their signature barbeque sauce! Sandwiches not for you? You can strike a deal on Thursdays and Fridays when they sell ribs at market price!
8. LA PALAPA
Summers can get pretty hot here in Indy! Make sure you keep cool with some ice cream from La Palapa! Decorated with tropical charm, La Palapa offers affordable and tasty treats “with a Latin twist” that are sure to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth in the heat. If you need more to eat after that cool confection, then you can also try one of their lunch or dinner options, including loaded hot dogs!
Must Try: The Fresas a la Palapa—a creation of strawberries, bananas, sweet cream, and ice cream.
9. CUMACO AREPA HOUSE
There’s nothing quite like the taste of a meal made from scratch. At Cumaco Arepa House, you’re sure to find fresh and authentic Venezulan flavors in every bite. You can order their fluffy cornmeal cakes stuffed with a variety of meats including shrimp, chicken, pork, or beef—they even offer a vegan option! Cumaco isn’t just making waves as the first arepa house built in Indiana, they have even taken steps to empower the local community by hosting an event for local Latina entrepreneurs.
Must Try: The Arepa Bowl– a fresh spin on the arepa which includes shredded beef, shredded chicken, seasoned black beans, sweet fried plaintains, avocado, garlic salsa, and pink salsa.
10. TAQUERIA EL TACO LOCO
There’s nothing better than tacos on wheels! Taqueria El Taco Loco is a roaming food truck known for its quality service and excellent Mexican food. With affordable prices and nice portions, Taco Loco offers truly fast food that’s perfect for people on a budget.
Must try: The tacos, of course—for only $2 each!
Next time you’re in the Indianapolis region, be sure to check out these businesses and share your experience here in Indy. And don’t forget! These are only a few of the many Latin and Hispanic-owned small businesses in the area. Check out La Plaza’s directory to discover more Latinx businesses in the Indianapolis region!
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