J.L. Gonzalez heavily involved in Mexican produce
J.L. Gonzalez heavily involved in Mexican produce
CHICAGO — Dominating one end of the Chicago International Produce Market is the full-service produce house J.L. Gonzalez Produce Inc. The company’s predominant brand is “Don Hugo,” which is for Mexican produce shipped through Edinburg, TX.
“This facility is nothing compared to what we have in Edinburg,” Jose Gonzalez II said, pointing to his cavernous Chicago facility. The firm has various produce supply connections in Mexico. Its Chicago offerings include 10 modern banana-ripening rooms.
A second-generation family operator, Gonzalez said his vertically integrated firm occupies almost 100,000 square feet on the market. The firm recently opened a café within its building, giving the market its first eating establishment.
Ulises Gonzalez, who manages the restaurant, said, “We showcase our produce products as much as we can” on the menu.