An interview with a neighbor: Carlos Chavez

Originally from Mexico City, Carlos Chavez, 53, went to college in Houston and moved to Atlanta 26 years ago. He now owns two restaurants in Plaza Fiesta: De Mar and Puras Tortas.

About 21 years ago, I started my business at the Buford Highway Flea Market. I was selling clothing and I found Buford Highway to be such a multicultural corridor. We have mixed races from Vietnamese, Korean, South American, Mexicans, Hispanics, and we always find Plaza Fiesta to be one of the best environments and safest malls on Buford Highway. They say if you don’t know Buford Highway, you don’t know Atlanta.

Half of my life I have spent in Atlanta. I find it to be home now. It’s a hard city to live in if you don’t work, and if you don’t work you can’t survive. I find that people who work hard find it to be a beautiful city. It’s quiet and safe to raise kids. My kids were born in Atlanta, so that’s what keeps me here.