Street food vendors and food stalls often act as the nucleus of a city’s cultural identity. Andres Santos is one such street vendor. As an elotero, Santos became somewhat of a local celebrity. Customers in LA’s Highland Park have flocked to his stand and enjoyed his esquites for over 23 years.

Though the following may sound like a sad story on the surface, we promise it has a happy ending. Los Angeles Times reporter Alejandra Reyes-Velarde followed Santos during his final days stateside, highlighting his incredible story. We encourage you to read her wonderful article about Andres Santos, and you can follow the story in her twitter thread below.

Last month, before our lives changed, I spent time with Highland Park elotero Andres Santos on his final day of selling esquites on Ave 57 and Figueroa. After 23 yrs, he decided to return home to Mexico & marry the love of his life.

Here is his story. https://t.co/eitOpCL3FJ

— Alejandra Reyes-Velarde (@r_valejandra) March 19, 2020

As we spoke, he walked me through his process of how he preps and cooks his corn. On this day, because it’s his last day and he knows it’s what people want, he’ll be making esquites only. pic.twitter.com/AU6hesZPjD

— Alejandra Reyes-Velarde (@r_valejandra) March 19, 2020

The kitchen of Santos’ Highland Park studio apartment, his second work station. pic.twitter.com/BgzovNOQeF

— Alejandra Reyes-Velarde (@r_valejandra) March 19, 2020

It was amazing to see just how much he meant to to Highland Park. He got some recognition from the city, but what brought him to tears were the cheers, honks and hugs from his customers. Pictured, a bag of cotija cheese a customer asked him to sign. pic.twitter.com/xEhyRr6eAx

— Alejandra Reyes-Velarde (@r_valejandra) March 19, 2020

Santos is now reunited with his partner, Norma, in Mexico.❤️ The photo on the right is of him and Norma at a college grad party 30+ years ago. On the left, Santos, his daughter Andrea, and Norma on one of her recent trips to see him in the US. pic.twitter.com/naWpqYSKv5

— Alejandra Reyes-Velarde (@r_valejandra) March 19, 2020

We told you it would be worth it! For more good food:

Conchas Plus Croissants = “Cronchas”…Get Some!