Carnitas Don Rafa

Specialties

Don Rafa’s vision to provide excellent Mexican food at reasonable prices has brought him to the point in his career where he can extend his services. Don Rafa Restaurants is also a well-​known professional catering service. He holds a Caterer’s License which is issued by the City of Chicago to cater food and alcoholic beverages off site. Don Rafa has all the experience and equipment to cater your event so that you can enjoy your festivity worry free. A list of clients can be provided at request.

History

Established in 1956.

Born in Pennsylvania, son of immigrants who worked the railroads Don Sabas Vega, father of Don Rafa returned to the United States having come from Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. In 1956, Sabas, then 31, was hoping to open his own business so he could support his family. With little money and full of dreams, he opened Sabas Vega Butcher Shop on 18^th Street in the Pilsen area. After acquiring more experience with different meats, he began to market traditional «Carnitas» Michoacán style. He made them according to ancestral techniques in copper pots which gave it an exquisite and incomparable taste. The popularity of «Carnitas» grew so much among the Hispanic population in the city that the butcher shop was turned into a restaurant. Following what his father taught him, today Don Rafa continues the tradition. He presently owns a total of 3 restaurants, has a successful catering business and launched a food truck service certified by the City of Chicago.

Meet the Business Owner

Don Rafa V.

Business Owner

In 1977 Rafael Vega, Don Rafa, then 17 started to work with his father so that he could help support his family. His tenacity, perseverance and devotion turned him into an important asset for the restaurant. In 1997, Don Rafa opened his own restaurant in Brighton Park, known as Carnitas Don Rafa Restaurant. In spite of all the competition from other restaurants he remained faithful to his philosophy. He offers meals made up of fresh generous portions and excellent customer service. These philosophies and long hard working days have led him to have greater recognition in the area and to achieve the success that he continues to enjoy today. In 2001 Don Rafa acquired his father’s restaurant Sabas Vega Restaurant in Pilsen. In 2011 he opened another restaurant Carnitas Don Rafa #2 in the Crest Hill/​Joliet area.

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Don Rafa V. says,

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Don Rafa Restaurant

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«Family Restaurant»