Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
SALEM – As a small business owner, Carlos Bravo knows the challenges and rewards of business ownership. He also knows that without the support of his community, his business wouldn’t succeed.
That’s why Bravo, owner of El Camino’s Mexican Restaurant, 403 S. Main St., Suite 112 in Salem, stepped up to offer a free taco to any new business that opens in Salem.
“I love Salem and I want to see it thrive,” Bravo said. “I started promoting the free taco bar for people who want to invest in Salem because I want to promote the town and make it grow.”
A member of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Bravo did the first free taco bar for a new business in October and has another coming up in January.
Bravo got his start in the restaurant business working as a dishwasher at El Toro in Salem in 2002. After two months, he became a server and a few months later moved up to manager.
A year after he began working at El Toro, he approached the owner about selling the restaurant, but he didn’t have the finances to buy it on his own. Bravo became partners with his dad to purchase the restaurant in 2003, renaming it El Camino’s.
“Together, we took on the challenge of running the restaurant and learning everything there was to know about the restaurant industry,” he said.
Over time, the business expanded into Kentucky and now includes nine restaurants.
Bravo said it was always his goal to own a business.
“When I came to the United States, I knew I didn’t want to wash dishes my entire life,” he said.
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, he knew that long hours and dedication are required to run a successful business.
“I love restaurants. For me doing what I love is not a job,” he said. “I like to talk to people and I love managing my employees – they are my family, too.”
El Camino’s serves Tex-Mex fare and is known for “having the best tacos in southern Indiana,” said Bravo. Other specialities are burritos, fajitas and quesadillas.
The Salem restaurant has about 25 employees and nearly 300 employees work at the nine restaurants.
Consulting venture
Bravo has been fortunate to achieve his dreams and in 2022 completed training to become a business consultant. This year, he launched Mobusso – Momentum Business Solutions, offering services to entrepreneurs.
Bravo will help with location, permits and securing financing.
Drawing on his 17 years of experience, Bravo wants to share his knowledge with others.
Erik Bush, CEO of Washington County Chamber of Commerce, said Bravo is passionate about giving back to his community.
For Bravo, a father of three, he wants Salem to thrive for years to come and knows that small businesses are part of a community’s identity and success.
“This has become my town, if I want a better future for my kids, then I have to help.”