Along Williams Boulevard in Kenner, signs in Spanish beckon passersby into law firms specializing in immigration, restaurants hawking carnitas and groceries selling traditional Central American ingredients.

Julio Machado, a Venezuelan-born local restaurateur, opened a new eatery last December on the Jefferson Parish thoroughfare because he saw promise in a strip that has emerged as a commercial hub for southeast Louisiana’s blossoming Hispanic community. Jefferson has the most Hispanic residents per-capita of any Louisiana Parish; Kenner, the most of any Louisiana city.

Right away, a cascade of problems enveloped the new venture.

Workers were hard to find, business was anemic . The shop was almost always empty, save for a few customers during the lunch rush.

Lukewarm job applicants

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