The Situation
El Tesoro has been serving authentic Oaxacan cuisine in Atlanta since 2019. Owner Alan Raines runs the restaurant with Mayra Vazquez, who cooks family recipes from Guerrero, Mexico. The restaurant has won many awards, including a coveted feature on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Alan solely self-funded his growth throughout his career in the restaurant industry, claiming that he gave up on trying to get funding a long time ago. He shared his frustrations going through the SBA Express loan process, citing bureaucracy at every turn and the irony in the program’s name.
After years of sustaining El Tesoro through cash flow, Alan had an opportunity to open a third location in South Downtown, an Atlanta neighborhood undergoing major redevelopment. Driven by the mission to revitalize the area, Alan decided to join the development.
How We Helped
Homegrown provided the capital for El Tesoro's third location using our Expansion product:
Worked with Alan to learn about his business including its history, current state, and ambitions
Overcame decades of skepticism and animosity towards financial services
Created a flexible offer that addresses the cash flow seasonality dynamics of his business
For the first time, Alan had access to growth capital that worked for his business.
The Result
El Tesoro is set to open in South Downtown in 2026, bringing their established reputation to this important, historic neighborhood. The opening will take place just in time for the FIFA World Cup.
For Alan, it means finally finding a productive solution that lets him grow his business. For the neighborhood, it means getting an authentic, beloved restaurant that will set the tone for the environment and draw both locals and visitors to the area.
Alan Raines
El Tesoro
