Reyes Tamales Finds Opportunity Through Community Events

When Arturo Reyes found out about the opportunity be involved with the summer Multicultural Reception on June 25, 2024, it was an easy decision to say yes to, given he had already been a vendor at the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Downtown Farmers’ Market. Reyes is the owner of Reyes Tamales, a fixture at many other local events, too, including the LSI Global Greens International Market and the Northside Market.

But the Multicultural Reception is a special event for those looking to help build an inclusive Greater Des Moines (DSM), and the roundtable discussions allow for attendees to learn about opportunities for their businesses as well as diverse community events and connections around the region. Find out more about how Reyes’ involvement in the Downtown Farmers’ Market and other events has helped him grow Reyes Tamales below:

Q+A with Reyes Tamales

What is Reyes Tamales?

Arturo Reyes: We sell tamales! I’ve been in kitchens for 24 years and started in a banquet kitchen, learning from the greatest chefs from 2000 to 2008. With this experience, I wanted to innovate … combine my tradition with what I learned in the U.S. kitchens. My tamales aren’t regular tamales that you buy at a Mexican store. Every year, I make a special tamale at the LSI Global Greens International Market. We make a traditional pork tamale and a special LSI tamale.

What I love is that when you eat my tamales, it’s like you’re back home with family. I want to bring back those days when the whole family is together. Tamales represent joining together with the family, especially in Grandma’s house.

How did you get involved with The Partnership’s programming?

AR: I went to a business seminar in Ankeny last year where I met with someone from the Evelyn K. Davis Center. While there, I attended classes and met Elizabeth Weyers with the Downtown Farmers’ Market. Then, Stacey began giving me opportunities outside of The Market.

How have Partnership events impacted and / or changed your business?

AR: The Partnership has given me opportunities for people to get to know me. I know how to do a lot of things, but people don’t know me because I’m in the kitchen. These types of opportunities — the markets, the Multicultural Reception, and in the future, hopefully the World Food Festival and Inclusion Summit — bring a lot of value to my business.

What advice would you have for other small business owners who want to work with an organization like The Partnership?

AR: I highlight recommend working with The Partnership. Everything is very professional, and the team is knowledgeable. For people starting a business, organizations like The Partnership can help with how to get a license / permit / insurance. Little things can open doors, and if people can go to a workshop and find help with these things, that’s what we need as entrepreneurs.

Find out more about Reyes Tamales at facebook.com/TamalesandTequila.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) welcomes diverse talent to the region. As one of the fastest growing business communities, inclusion and attracting diverse talent in the workplace is a key strategy of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Inclusion Awards also recognize employers strengthening Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts in their organizations and are awarded during the annual Inclusion Summit.