Going Behind The Dream In Albuquerque

In July and August of 2018, Yelp Albuquerque connected with immigrants who started their businesses in the Land of Enchantment. Six weeks of events at restaurants, shops and organizations brought Yelpers and the general public closer to these Dreamers, in partnership with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, who provide resources for entrepreneurs to succeed. All events were free and open to the general public.

Launching on a Tuesday in July, guests connected with the Certain family, originally from Colombia, who now helm Villa Myriam Coffee Roasters and support the family estate. One week later it was on to Jambo Cafe, to learn how Ahmed Obo connected his restaurants with his hometown village in Africa. Next, a dress shop in the south valley, Hamiel Bridals & Quinceañeras, introduced us to Carmen Bolivar, who built her business after a long journey from Mexico. Tahir Gauba, of Pakistan, invited an enormous crowd to his Donut Mart location, and he brought the family — a moving evening, indeed. We finished our event series at Taste of India, where Vaneet Kumar told of his struggles to return to America post-9/11, and detailed the limited citizenship of a work visa.

To celebrate, everyone was invited to grab a bite to eat and a local craft beer at the Hispano Chamber where, one final evening, an eclectic crowd of enthusiastic Yelpers and friends, organizations that support Dreamers, and business owners gathered to repeat a simple vow: support local. This campaign began small, word of mouth gave it momentum, and by the end, Behind the Dream lifted curtains into lives spent achieving the American dream in a home away from home. Or, as many entrepreneurs stated, in the place they now call home: Albuquerque.

Thanks to Our Event Partners

AHCC • The 377 Brewery • Marble Brewery •Villa Myriam • Tractor Brewing • TAZA • Spanish ABQ