When brothers Jose-Antonio and Albino Rendon arrived in the United States from Veracruz, Mexico as teenagers, they quickly discovered that hard work and family made a powerful team. Starting off as dishwashers, the brothers quickly worked their way up the industry ladder in professional kitchens across Chicago until their collective knowledge led them to start a business of their own.
In 2014, that dream began to take shape with the opening of the original D’Nuez in Chicago’s Cicero neighborhood, which started as an ice cream shop. Despite the brothers’ minimal experience with frozen desserts, their willingness to learn carried them through the early months with modest success until the Chicago winter arrived.
As business slowed, the family came together to re-evaluate. “Talking with my mom, we came to an agreement it would be better to sell [the business],” Jose shared.
The ice cream shop closed, but the entrepreneurial itch remained. When Jose discovered another restaurant space for sale, one equipped for hot food and full meals, it felt like the right opportunity. With a stronger foundation in traditional kitchens, the brothers and their mother saw a chance to return to what they knew best. In 2015, D’Nuez was reborn in Chicago’s Archer Heights community.
Starting with paper menus and dishware they purchased themselves, the Rendons poured their passion into their new venture. The restaurant quickly became known for its fusion of Mexican and American cuisine, a unique blend that invited families to come together over familiar comfort food with a twist.
But D’Nuez isn’t just run by family, it is family. Though working together had its challenges, they kept their focus on building something that would last. What began as a small family business has grown to a team of 50 employees, all helping to keep D’Nuez running strong.
That strong family foundation allowed them to grow. After opening a second location in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, the brothers set their sights on Chicago’s Berwyn community. When traditional financing fell through, they made the bold decision to fund the purchase out of pocket. However, the location needed serious work. From outdated carpeting to a closed-off layout, the space didn’t reflect the vibrant energy of their brand.
Thanks to a referral from Humberto Huerta, a banker at JPMorgan Chase, the Rendons connected with A4CB and received a line of credit from A4CB in 2023, which helped them renovate the space: removing carpet, opening the floor plan, and updating the interiors.
Bankers across Illinois and Indiana refer entrepreneurs who they cannot help to A4CB, creating a strong referral partnership that A4CB depends on.
Today, the family continues to look for ways to enhance their success and create a great dining experience for their customers. They have a liquor license for their Pilsen and Berwyn location and are in the process of obtaining liquor licenses for their Archer location and working to expand their menus.
“What we hope is to continue advancing and growing, opening more locations, and the recognition of the community,” said Albino.
D’Nuez is more than just a restaurant, it’s a reflection of a family’s journey and a welcoming space for others to gather, share, and feel at home while enjoying wonderful food.
