Inspiring Conversations with Myrna Soltero of Chula on Broadway Cocina Mexicana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Myrna Soltero.

Hi Myrna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi Mike, thank you for reaching out and for your interest in sharing stories of people like me.

My name is Myrna, and in 1993 I came to the United States from Chihuahua, Mexico, with my two sons, my roots, and my recipes, determined to build a better future. Cooking became my way of staying connected to home while creating opportunities here.
I started Chula with humble beginnings, cooking from the heart and sharing family recipes. What began as a passion grew into something bigger than I ever imagined. Today, Chula reflects my journey—rooted in tradition, built with resilience, and centered on serving flavorful food made with recipes passed down through generations of my family.

And the name? Chula was inspired by my little chihuahua, who stayed by my side for sixteen years—my constant companion through it all. Just like her, Chula is built on love, loyalty, and heart.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I faced language barriers, financial struggles, and extremely long hours. There were many moments when it felt overwhelming, but perseverance and hard work kept me moving forward.

At a very vulnerable time in my life, I was also coming out of a difficult marriage and a domestic violence situation. That experience affected my confidence and made it hard to trust people again, and rebuilding myself took time. With the support of my sons, the love for my grandchildren and the support of my family, I slowly started from the bottom and worked my way up.

Today, Chula represents that journey. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a place that many of our customers say feels like home, and that means everything to me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Chula is a family-owned restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine, from fresh tacos and burritos to flavorful hot soups, fajitas, homemade tortillas, and desserts. What sets us apart is the love and care in every dish—everything is made from scratch, creating a warm, home-like experience.

We’re deeply committed to our community—cooking Thanksgiving meals for unhoused individuals, supporting local groups with free food and gift certificates, hosting an annual comedy show and toy drive for the Salvation Army, and participating in events like IFCS’s annual banquet. At Chula, we serve both delicious food and meaningful connections.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I enjoy listening to podcasts that help me stay informed and understand the world around me. They give me new perspectives that inspire how I approach my business and community work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chulaonbroadway.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chulaonbroadway?igsh=OXBnaWlpc3psbmhr&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1GoEw3C9Av/?mibextid=wwXIfr