




CHEF AMBROCIO GONZALEZ
Hailing originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, he embarked on his culinary journey out of necessity, as his single mother worked during the day, leaving him to cook for himself.
At the tender age of 12, he forged his inaugural entrepreneurial path alongside his mother and grandmother. By 14, he found himself employed at the esteemed Cervecería Corona de Guadalajara, specifically in the Department of Market Research, a position he regarded as a cherished aspiration due to the myriad of Mexican states it allowed him to explore. Prior to reaching 16, he relocated to the bustling city of Chicago, where he both graduated from Oakton College and acquired fluency in the English language.
After traversing diverse professional realms, the proprietor of his inaugural restaurant venture imparted a lasting lesson to him: "The paramount objective is to ensure that customers depart content, irrespective of the challenges encountered."
At the youthful age of 23, fortified by familial assistance and in partnership with Alfredo Flores, he inaugurated Tepache Restaurant in La Villita during the year 2010. Despite their dearth of experience and financial resources, their enterprise regrettably faced closure. However, this setback merely served as a prelude to the subsequent chapter of his narrative. Bolstered by enhanced proficiency and meticulous preparation, Chef Ambrocio and his partner boldly embarked once more in 2011, unveiling La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant in Little Village. Through the ardent patronage and unwavering support of their clientele, this establishment has blossomed into a triumph, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of his proficient team.
In short, order, driven by an indefatigable work ethic, a fervor for personal growth, and an unwavering passion for the culinary arts, Chef Ambrocio embarked upon a fresh odyssey in 2013: the inauguration of Las Quecas Little Village Restaurant. This endeavor proved resoundingly successful, paving the way for subsequent restaurant openings in Melrose Park and Carpentersville in 2014, and another in Berwyn in 2015.
During that same year, 2015, he unveiled a second iteration of La Catedral Café in Chicago's northern precincts. Furthermore, he was handpicked by the esteemed national brand Hispanic Cheese Makers, serving as the ambassador for their flagship product, Nuestro Queso. This prestigious role encompassed commercial endorsements, notable appearances at mass gatherings, and hosting a cooking show on the esteemed platform of Mundo Fox.
In 2016, Chef Ambrocio attained a coveted diploma from the illustrious French culinary institution, Le Cordon Bleu. Moreover, his esteemed recipes have been disseminated through prominent Latin magazines in the vibrant city of Chicago.
The year 2017 witnessed the introduction of his book, "Con Sabor a Guadalajara," published under the distinguished Guadalajara City brand. The resounding success of this literary endeavor spurred his plans for a forthcoming volume, slated for release by the conclusion of 2024. In addition to his literary accomplishments, he has been invited to deliver enlightening lectures on personal growth and motivation within the public school system of Chicago, as well as gracing the stage of prominent mass gatherings. Notably, he was extended a distinguished invitation to deliver a lecture at the esteemed World Gastronomy Forum, addressing the global diaspora of Mexican cuisine.
In 2018, the inauguration of a breakfast restaurant in downtown La Grange, Illinois, stood as a testament to his ceaseless innovation. Furthermore, he actively participated in the widespread advertising campaign titled "WHY BERWYN?"—a captivating spectacle boasting over 80 awe-inspiring billboards dispersed throughout the entire state of Illinois. Between 2018 and 2019, he served as the esteemed president of Un Nuevo Despertar, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and assisting women who have endured the trauma of domestic
violence.
Now firmly rooted in the heartland of the Midwest, Chef Ambrocio has garnered a distinguished position in the affections of his patrons. As the year 2023 unfolds, he is preparing to embark on the momentous opening of four new restaurants. With an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence, he remains ardently devoted to discovering novel flavors and skillfully integrating them into his gastronomic creations. His insatiable quest for culinary enrichment has propelled him on global expeditions, traversing diverse corners of the world to expand and enrich his already remarkable culinary repertoire.
Reflecting upon his journey, Chef Ambrocio espouses a profound philosophy, "I have learned the invaluable art of focusing on my own aspirations and ambitions, rather than being consumed by the pursuits of others. Such comparisons dissipate time and divert one's attention from their true path."
In essence, Chef Ambrocio's biography encapsulates a captivating tale of resilience, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to the culinary arts. From humble beginnings in Guadalajara to becoming a revered figure in the Midwest's culinary scene, his remarkable achievements stand as a testament to his unwavering passion, relentless pursuit of excellence, and unyielding determination to leave an indelible mark on the world of gastronomy.