Boone EDC Deputy Director Ben Worrell (left) and Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry (right) join El Chisme owners Shannon Long and Lourdes Cruz and their daughter at the grand opening.
Lebanon, Ind. – El Chisme, an authentic Mexican restaurant, has opened in Lebanon with help from the Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC) Microloan Program.
“The Boone EDC offers the microloan program for small business owners in Boone County who are seeking funding for specific projects,” said Boone EDC Deputy Director Ben Worrell. “We are thrilled to be a part of El Chisme’s opening and look forward to seeing their dream grow and thrive here in Lebanon.”
Owners Shannon Long and Lourdes Cruz received a microloan from the Boone EDC to purchase equipment for their new location at 109 North Meridian Street.
“El Chisme offers authentic Mexican foods that you would find in a taqueria in Mexico,” said Long. “Our passion comes from the years we spent in the culture and learning about the recipes and techniques that are handed down from generation to generation. We are excited to share that with the community.”
“We are pleased to welcome El Chisme to the heart of downtown Lebanon,” said Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry. “Part of the plans for Lebanon’s downtown revitalization include adding more restaurants, and it’s encouraging to see Shannon and Lourdes embracing that vision.”
In 2017, the Boone EDC granted four microloans to local business owners totaling more than $50,000.
El Chisme is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday-Saturday. They offer takeout and dine-in.