The family of Jesús “Chuy” Gutierrez, the deceased owner of five restaurants in the Reno and Sparks region, invite the local Reno and Sparks community to honor the restauranteur this Monday.
Announced on the Mari Chuy’s Facebook page, this Cinco de Mayo, there will be a celebration of life for Chuy between 2 and 5 p.m. at the Silver Legacy Hotel Casino (Silver Baron A&B room).
“To know Chuy, was to love Chuy. His impact and love for our community went beyond his good deeds to how he approached life. He was never one to say ‘no’ when it mattered. He welcomed everyone with a warm smile and had a rare gift for making everyone feel like a friend,” said the post first published on April 28. “His deep love for his community was matched only by the profound love he had for his own family. We loved seeing how he cared for and called so many friend and were blessed to be part of what he created.”
Gutierrez died on March 17 due to causes yet to be publicly disclosed by the family.
As news of his passing trickled through the Northern Nevada community, friends of Chuy began to share what he meant to them. This included this note sent to Noticiero Móvil by his friend of 35 years, Leslie Mix. Chuy mentored her son and they actually went into business together.
“I met him when my dad came back from Colombia and opened the first Casino Latino (where the Wild Orquid is now) in Reno. My brother in law was managing the restaurant and Chuy worked with him. Chuy’s dedication to success and hard work was mentored by the Carano family when they owned the Eldorado/Circus Circus and the Silver Legacy. They were very proud of how well he had done there with the Carano family. They were a big part of his success,” Mix said adding to the colorful history of her friend’s local triumphs.
Mix went on to share that the Chuy participated and graduated from the first class of leaders through the Latino Empowerment and Advancement Development program (LEAD). The initiative aimed to help Hispanic workers transition to managerial and executive roles at companies.
“Chuy was a leader in our community,” she said sharing that he had told her afterwards that the LEAD program had given him the confidence to apply for (and obtain) two promotions in the year following the LEAD program. “Overcoming the boundaries between cultures. He became a highly respected business man and leader cross culturally in Reno/Sparks. He was always willing to help with the many facets that exist here.”
On the day after his passing, the family shared this note on Facebook.
“It is with deep sadness that we share with our beloved community the passing of Jesus ‘Chuy’ Gutierrez. A devoted family man and friend to all, his unwavering commitment to uplifting others and strengthening our community will leave a lasting impact on all who had the honor of knowing him,” the post read on March 18. “Chuy will be remembered for always being willing to lend a helping hand, offer guidance, or share a warm smile – and a glass of tequila. Details regarding memorial services will be shared soon. We ask for prayers and kindly ask for privacy for our family to mourn as we get through this difficult time.”
The Latinos de Nevada Facebook page also shared the announcement of his death. Chuy owned Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen restaurant franchise and formerly operated “Fresh Mex,” formerly on Keystone Avenue.
Gutierrez, who was born in Michoacan, México, was known as a leader in the Reno community beyond the Latino population. His knowledge of the hospitality industry helped fuel the growth and improvement of the Midtown Reno area where he operated his first restaurant Mari Chuys, an establishment that frequently became the site of community meetings and stops by distinguished people passing through town.
Gutierrez is survived by his wife Mary, children and other family members.
“My heart breaks for Mari and their children,” Mix, his lifelong friend, said. “We are not ready to let go of his ready smile, his warm generosity and raising a tequila in forever friendship.”
Editor’s note: This article was updated on May 5 with details about the memorial services.