When Pilsen Gourmet debuted in February 2020, organizers hoped the festival would grow as a platform for chefs in the community, showcasing established Mexican chefs like Dudley Nieto, Diana Dávila, and Carlos Gaytán while giving newcomers a stage to introduce their food to customers and a place to network among other Latinx restaurant owners. The coronavirus prevented subsequent events, and Pilsen Gourmet could not build off the inaugural event’s success. Nieto views Pilsen Gourmet as a platform and wants to grow the event, especially with younger chefs.