This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are celebrating the people, flavors and stories that help make the Aurora Area such a vibrant place to visit. In the heart of downtown Geneva, Peter and Melissa of Que Buen Churro are sharing a handmade taste of Mexico—one fresh churro at a time. Inspired by their families’ entrepreneurial spirit and their parents’ journeys from Mexico to the United States, the couple has created a welcoming churrería where tradition, creativity and community come together.
A Taste of Mexico in Downtown Geneva
Peter and Melissa, the owners of Que Buen Churro in downtown Geneva, have called the area home for just over a year. Their family-owned churrería brings handmade churros, specialty desserts and a welcoming taste of Mexico to historic Third Street.
College sweethearts who met in business class, the couple always dreamed of owning a business together. Their entrepreneurial spirit was shaped early by their families’ businesses, including a bakery and Melissa’s mother’s jewelry business.
“Growing up around our families’ businesses gave us firsthand insight into the dedication, creativity and passion that comes with being a business owner,” they shared.
When Peter and Melissa saw that the area did not have a dedicated churro shop, they recognized an opportunity to create something fun, unique and creative for the community. Their goal was not simply to open a dessert shop, but to build a place where guests could enjoy high-quality, handmade products and feel genuinely welcomed.
Handmade Churros and More
At Que Buen Churro, each churro is made by hand and can be customized with unique fillings, toppings and ice cream. The menu also includes specialty desserts, pastries, milkshakes and coffee, giving visitors plenty of reasons to stop in before or after exploring Geneva’s shops, restaurants and attractions.
Located along the Metra line ramp in historic downtown Geneva, Que Buen Churro is an easy stop for commuters, shoppers and visitors looking for something sweet. The shop has become known not only for its churros, but also for its tamales and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Peter and Melissa traveled to Michoacán, Mexico, to learn from local churro makers and better understand traditional churro-making techniques. That dedication to authenticity, paired with their own creativity, is evident throughout the shop.
Inspired by Family
The couple’s connection to Mexico is deeply personal. Their parents were born in Mexico and came to the United States in pursuit of greater opportunities. Despite the challenges of entering a new country without knowing the language, they worked tirelessly to build better lives for their families.
Peter and Melissa say their parents’ examples continue to inspire them.
“Their perseverance, determination and willingness to overcome obstacles taught us that with hard work, dedication and a strong belief in ourselves, we can pursue and achieve anything we set our minds to.”
That sense of purpose also guided them as they began their own business journey. The couple sought guidance from mentors, connected with fellow business owners and reached out to Waubonsee Community College for support and resources.
Supporting Local Businesses
Building relationships is one of Peter and Melissa’s favorite parts of doing business in Geneva. They value the customers who visit their shop, the business owners they have gotten to know and the local community that continues to support their dream.
Que Buen Churro partners with two family-owned businesses: Proyecto Diaz Coffee and Jorge’s Paleteria. Those collaborations help the shop offer quality coffee, paletas and ice cream alongside its handmade churros.
“As we continue to grow, we hope to expand these partnerships and create more opportunities to support other small businesses,” they said. “One of our core values is giving back to the local business community that has supported us throughout our own journey.”
Tourism has also made a meaningful impact on business. Visitors from surrounding communities and cities come to Geneva for its distinctive shopping, dining and small-town atmosphere, and Que Buen Churro has become a sweet stop along the way.
A Welcoming Experience
For Peter and Melissa, the experience matters just as much as the menu.
“When someone walks through our doors, we want them to feel welcomed and cared for as if they were a guest in our own home,” they said. “Our goal is to create an experience that leaves a lasting impression, so that when they walk out, they can’t help but say, ‘¡Qué Buen Churro!’”
When they are away from the shop, the couple enjoy discovering new local restaurants and food businesses. A few favorites from their growing list include Cravings, Burger Local and Bad Guy Bagels.
Peter and Melissa are especially thankful for every review, recommendation, piece of feedback and visit that has helped their business grow. You can support Que Buen Churro by stopping in the shop and experiencing the taste of Mexico in the heart of Geneva, Illinois.
Share Your Story With Us
If you’re a Latinx business owner in the Aurora Area, we’d love to showcase your story alongside others. Reach out to us and join the celebration of local voices that make our region one-of-a-kind. Email us at Marketing@EnjoyAurora.com to share your story with us!
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