Chicago Honors Paulin and Juanita Soto in West Town
City officials installed a commemorative street sign to celebrate the couple's legacy of support for local immigrant families.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Openings & Closings
City officials and community members gathered to unveil a commemorative street sign honoring Paulin and Juanita Soto in West Town. The tribute at 1166 W. Grand Ave. recognizes the couple for their long-standing efforts helping immigrants find housing and work in Chicago.
Why it matters
The honorary sign serves as a permanent testament to the couple's impact on local residents and their dedication to supporting newcomers during their transition to life in the city.
The commemorative sign is permanently installed at 1166 W. Grand Ave., a location near the site where the couple opened Bar Casablanca and Kitchen in 1985. The couple raised 5 children while contributing to the local community.
The players
Paulin Soto
An immigrant from Mexico who settled in Chicago in 1956 and later established a local business.
Juanita Soto
A long-time West Town resident who helped connect immigrant families with essential resources like housing and employment.
The details
Family members and a former alderman gathered for a ceremony to mark the installation of the street sign. The sign sits on the corner next to the couple's former restaurant to honor their role in assisting Chicago families with housing and employment needs since the late 1950s.
Timeline
The couple immigrated to Chicago from Mexico in 1956.
Bar Casablanca and Kitchen opened for business in 1985.
Juanita Soto passed away in 2019.
Paulin Soto passed away in 2021.
The street sign unveiling ceremony took place on October 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
This tribute follows the pattern set by the Chicago honorary street naming program to recognize influential local figures. It reflects a broader trend of municipal efforts to preserve neighborhood histories through civic landmarks.
The installation adds a permanent piece of local history to the West Town neighborhood for residents and visitors to observe. This action carries no direct change to daily retail or service costs for area shoppers.
The takeaway
Honoring community leaders can help foster a deeper sense of neighborhood identity for current residents. Local families seeking to celebrate historical figures should consult city guidelines regarding the requirements for honorary street signage.
Further reading
Learn more about local neighborhood developments in the Chicago Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Block Club Chicago.
