Find out what a group of Los Angeles restaurateurs did to help Honduran artisans
A few days ago, a group of 14 Honduran businessmen arrived in Los Angeles with the hope of exhibiting their artisan products in this city.
The idea was to participate in the Honduran Expo 2020, which would take place on Saturday, March 14 in Los Angeles, where there would be vendors, music, dance and entertainment.
However, they did not expect that the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) would severely ruin their plans as the event was canceled after California Governor Gavin Newsom recommended that meetings of no more than 250 people be held in a locality to avoid contagion.
"They brought us all together (on Thursday) and told us what was going on," said Maria Flores, one of the exhibitors, who is a designer of artisan jewelry.
She and her companions were unaware of the seriousness of the problem since before leaving their native Honduras they did not face any cases of coronavirus.
"We did get a little sad because we are a small group representing a country, a dream," said Flores. "We come to represent more than 500 businessmen who belong to the Honduran Chamber of Commerce."
Given this, the group decided to obey the orders of the organizers and the health experts, not only for them but also for the community.
However, given the misery they faced, fellow businessmen in Los Angeles decided to reach out to them.
Help in times of need
Martín Ortíz, founder and organizer of Expo Hondureña 2020 in Los Angeles, said that during the week they were promoting in different media and everyone was very excited to participate.
At least 1,500 people were expected to attend the event, and while it was initially warned that there would be additional toilets for handwashing and disinfectant, this was not enough to stop the cancellation.
"The exhibitors were a little sad because there was a lot of expectation from their community," said Ortíz, who added that Honduras does not usually have as many events to celebrate its culture outside the country.
Fortunately, three Los Angeles restaurants: Sazón K-Tracho # 1, Sazón K-Tracho # 2 and Honduras Kitchen opened their doors to exhibitors so they can offer their products and crafts.
"All of them are eager to present what Honduras is and they also have stories of perseverance," said the organizer.
Flores said that fortunately they will be able to continue — albeit on a smaller scale — the plan to publicize Honduran products to possibly attract future investors who can buy their products from the US and they can export them.
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to make themselves known in each of the restaurants assigned to them, although with a significant reduction in attendees.
"We invite you to get to know our products, to taste our flavors, to get to know the product of leather, donuts and so on," Flores said.
Continuing until you can
Jonathan Larios, spokesman for the family restaurant Honduras Kitchen, said that they know the adversities that the exhibitors face since the restaurant is currently facing it with customers, due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the world.
"Right now I only have two clients," said this Friday at noon.
"But still we take all the precautions to wash our hands, we clean every once in a while (the surfaces) but maybe the point is going to come that we are going to have to close."
However, and while this is not happening, Honduras Kitchen wanted to help Honduran exhibitors to present their products.
"We want to give them the opportunity to get in touch and since that did not happen at the expo, we allowed them to come here," said Larios, asserting that Honduras Kitchen is one of the most popular Honduran restaurants in Los Angeles.
Although he said he did not know how many exhibitors he will have on Saturday and Sunday, he did assure that during those two days he will be offering disposable gloves for everyone. Honduras Kitchen has a capacity for about 90 people.
"We are not expecting a large number of people but we do want to give the exhibitors a chance," said Larios.
To know the work of Honduran exhibitors, you can visit them this Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 7pm at:
Honduras Kitchen
2409 Slauson Avenue in Huntington Park
El Sazón K-Tracho # 1
4181 S. Figueroa Street in Los Angeles
El Sazón K-Tracho # 2
1483 W. Adams Blvd in Los Angeles
