Editor’s note: In October, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. As part of that observance, the chamber recognized three of its members with Hispanic ownership. This is the third story in a series showcasing these businesses.

Inside Los Compadres, surrounded by the rich scents, decor and familiar foods of their native Mexico, husband-and-wife owners Jaime Santana Guardado and Maria Elodia Mata Gamez reflected on a quarter-century of building a business from the ground up. Speaking at their store and restaurant through interpreter Mario Rayo, the couple detailed the grit, cultural pride and community connections that transformed a small market into a local staple.

Celebrating the culture and history of Hispanic and Latino communities across the United States, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce joined with Los Compadres in observing Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This year’s celebration centered on the theme “Together, We Are More,” or “Unidos Somos Más.”

When Guardado and Mata Gamez arrived in the United States from Mexico in 2000, they brought previous experience running a taco shop and a meat market. After settling in Great Bend, they quickly noticed that essential ingredients central to their culinary traditions were nearly impossible to find.

“When they were here, there were only two stores,” Rayo said, translating for the couple. “There was a Dillons and a Food for Less. And during that time, you couldn’t find jalapenos, avocados, things like that. There was a need for it here in the community.”

Driven by a vision to bring those familiar staples to Central Kansas and motivated by the need to support their family — which now includes eight children — the couple poured their personal savings into launching the small business. Their initial offerings were modest, consisting primarily of tortillas, lemons and jalapenos.

The early years demanded relentless physical labor. Guardado continued working full time at another job for about seven years while Mata Gamez managed the storefront. Guardado split his time between his job, running the shop and traveling out of town to source produce and inventory.

The obstacle they first ran into when starting the business was they didn’t have any loans, Rayo translated. “Not only was he working full-time, but he was also having to travel to get the inventory to have here. And they were using their own personal funds until they were established.”

A key turning point came when Landmark National Bank approved the couple for their first personal loan. That initial financial partnership blossomed into ongoing support, enabling Los Compadres to acquire its own commercial space and invest in specialized machinery to produce fresh tortillas in-house.

“You’re not going to get the tortillas anywhere else, whether you’re in Dodge, in Canada, or in a different state, like you would here at Los Compadres,” Rayo said on behalf of the owners.

Navigating barriers

and building

relationships

Building a customer base in a predominantly Anglo community presented distinct challenges, particularly regarding language. However, Guardado and Mata Gamez found that nonverbal warmth and quality food transcended cultural gaps.

“Even though there were language barriers, they’ve been able to communicate to the best of their abilities, even if that’s with sign language using their hands,” Rayo translated, adding that they also communicate through the language of good food. “They try and treat all of their customers, whether it’s Spanish-speaking or of a different ethnicity or culture with respect.”

While the general public welcomed the store, the couple encountered occasional prejudice from other commercial entities. Mata Gamez recalled a specific instance when a local insurance agent shooed them away, refusing to do business with Hispanic clients even though they had a payment check in hand.

Rather than letting discrimination deter them, the couple focused on professionalism, strict discipline and serving the broader public. Support from community organizations also helped expand their reach.

Representatives from the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, including Julie Mazouch, member success manager, and Megan Barfield, president and CEO, personally visited the market to help overcome language barriers. The chamber eventually featured Los Compadres, now a member, on marketing platforms and webpages to boost its visibility.

Consistency and

a lasting legacy

Twenty-five years after taking their first steps as American entrepreneurs, Guardado and Mata Gamez view diligence as the core of their longevity. They are now watching their daughter launch a business of her own, hoping she inherits the same steadfast work ethic.

“The biggest thing is the consistency,” Rayo translated. “Whether you have good days, slow days, being the same person every single day and having the same discipline and willpower when you come in every single day.”

For the owners of Los Compadres, the market is more than a retail grocery — it is an extension of their living room where every shopper is treated with hospitality.

“They treat all of the people that come into their establishment like if they’re in their own home, making them feel welcome,” Rayo translated. “They’re very appreciative that even though they came from a different country and speak a different language, that they’ve been embraced and made to feel like this is their home as well.”

What they offer

Los Compadres Mexican Store and Restaurant, located at 1516 Seventh St. in Great Bend, offers a variety of traditional foods, baked goods and groceries. Bilingual staff members are available most days to assist customers.

The business features daily in-house production of preservative-free flour tortillas sold by the dozen and corn tortillas sold by the pound. Its bakery produces sandwich bread and traditional pastries, including pan dulce, alongside a stock of Mexican candies, cookies and sodas. Fresh chicharrons are available on Saturdays.

In addition to grocery items, the location serves cooked meals, including tacos and other classic Mexican dishes, and is evaluating food delivery options such as DoorDash.

The restaurant operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the grocery store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Customers can reach the business by calling 620-792-5024 or by visiting the Los Compadres Mexican Store and Restaurant Facebook page.