Worcester Business Journal

10 Worcester Business Journal | May 5, 2025 | wbjournal.com BY ERIC CASEY WBJ Managing Editor I n 1999, Elmer Melendez arrived with his wife Delmy in the U.S. with no resources, no connec- tions, and no English language skills. Just over 25 years later, with the support of his wife and the local com- munity, Melendez is the proud owner of four restaurants, with a fih on the way and plans to open one per year for the foreseeable future. In a time where declining social mo- bility and increasing economic inequal- ity may make it seem like the concept of the American Dream is on life support, the success story of the growing Me- lendez restaurant portfolio shows, with enough hard work, it remains possible for someone to climb the ranks all the way to owning their own business. His work ethic and ability to work the room has quickly endeared himself to the blue-collar Greater Fitchburg area, particularly with his two-year-old eatery Dario's on Main. "With his consistency and the friendly atmosphere he provides, word-of-mouth about Dario's spread quickly," Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia said. "He's been awesome for Main Street." Given the years of blood, sweat, and tears he put into building his growing restaurant portfolio, it might be easy for Elmer to present himself as a self-made man who pulled himself up his own bootstraps. Instead, he's quick to mention the critical role his staff and supportful diners have played in his success. "It was the community," Elmer said when asked why he's opened multiple restaurants in the Fitchburg area. "is city has a lot of potential. Fitchburg and North Central have an amazing commu- nity and good people." Coming to America Having already lost his father at age 12 Daring to DREAM A quarter century aer arriving in America, Elmer Melendez is cooking up a growing restaurant empire Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia to violence only worsening in his native El Salvador, Elmer and his wife Delmy decided to chase a better life by moving with their two children to Massachu- setts, leaving behind their extended fam- ily and everything that felt familiar. ey found themselves in a land where they had no connections and no knowledge of English. Coming from a culture where cooking wasn't considered a man's task, Elmer assumed he would end up driving a truck or working in construction. Yet, aer getting a job washing dishes and bussing tables, he began enjoying the satisfaction of being part of a customer's nice night out. "Nothing makes you more grateful then when you see a restaurant full of happy faces of people putting food in their bellies," he said. While others saw tasks like washing dishes by hand as tough work, he saw FOCUS SMALL BUSINESS

• Cover