Why Chula's Is More Than a Name

At first glance, Chula’s might sound playful and warm, and that’s exactly the point. But behind the name is a deeply personal story rooted in family, heritage, and love. For Manny Perez and his family, Chula’s isn’t just the name of a restaurant, it’s a tribute to generations past, present, and future.

In Spanish, “chula” is a term of endearment. It can mean sweetheart, beautiful one, or beloved. For Manny, that meaning is lived every day. He lovingly calls his granddaughters his chulas, a name filled with pride, affection, and joy. Long before that, Manny’s father used the same word for his late sister, Linda — his chula. In naming the restaurant Chula’s, Manny is honoring the women who shaped his family, the love that binds them, and the tradition of gathering around food with the people who matter most.

Manny with his siblings, from left to right: Linda, Tony, Manny, Celia.

A Place Built on Familia

Manny’s vision for Chula’s goes far beyond great food and drinks. His goal is to create a place that feels like home, where everyone who walks through the doors is treated like familia. A place where stories are shared, laughter is loud, and meals are meant to be enjoyed together.

For over 30 years, Manny has proudly called Prior Lake home. This community has supported his family, his businesses, and his dreams, and Chula’s is his way of giving back. From supporting local events and organizations to creating a welcoming gathering space for celebrations big and small, Manny is committed to making Chula’s a true community hub, one that reflects the heart of Prior Lake and the people who make it special.

Rooted in Mexican Heritage

Chula’s is also a celebration of Manny’s Mexican roots. His grandparents immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s from Zacatecas, a historic region in Mexico rich in culture, tradition, and resilience. Their journey laid the foundation for the family values Manny carries forward today: hard work, hospitality, and the importance of sharing food as an expression of love.

That heritage will be proudly reflected throughout Chula’s, from the flavors and recipes that honor tradition, to the atmosphere that celebrates Mexican culture, warmth, and togetherness. Every detail is intentional, designed to tell a story that spans generations.

A Celebration of Latin America at the Table

While Mexican cuisine will always be at the heart of Chula’s, the menu will be intentionally broader, celebrating traditional dishes from across Latin America and South America. Manny wanted Chula’s to reflect the diversity, depth, and richness of Latin culture, bringing together flavors, techniques, and traditions from many countries into one welcoming space.

Guests can expect a thoughtfully curated menu that honors Mexican classics alongside beloved Latin American dishes inspired by regions throughout South America, all prepared with respect for tradition, high-quality ingredients, and a passion for bringing people together through food.

Because just like family, Latin culture is beautifully interconnected, and Chula’s is a place where those connections come to life.

Masa used to make homemade tamales

A Love Letter to Prior Lake

Did you know Prior Lake was originally a popular resort destination in the late 1800s, drawing visitors from the Twin Cities for its beautiful waters and strong sense of community? That spirit of gathering and connection is exactly what Manny hopes to recreate inside Chula’s walls, a modern-day meeting place where locals and visitors alike feel welcome.

As Prior Lake continues to grow, Chula’s aims to be part of its story, honoring the past while building something meaningful for the future. Whether you’re stopping in for a family dinner, celebrating a milestone, or simply looking for a place where you belong, Manny and his family hopes Chula’s feels like your home away from home.

Because at the end of the day, Chula’s isn’t just about what’s on the table, it’s about who’s sitting around it.

Bienvenidos a Chula’s. Welcome home.