Tamale Guy

2020 events

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with bars closed to the public, Velez began testing home delivery, and by April 2020, neighborhood groups were placing large orders for tamales. By August 13 On August 29, media reported that Velez had contracted COVID-19 and was on a ventilator. On October 1, he had recovered and a GoFundMe fundraiser for his medical bills had raised tens of thousands of dollars. While Velez was hospitalized a Naperville brewery named a limited edition beer after him. Velez later closed his restaurant and moved into shared spaces, first at Lone Wolf in the West Loop, and then in Bangers & Lace, and in 2022 again to a new Logan Square bar called Quality Time.