A Norwalk man is sharing his journey from Mexico to becoming a successful restaurateur.

Jose Lucero's journey began with tragedy.

When he was 12 years old, his father killed during a robbery.

"We survived in Mexico after my father was killed and we were selling bosoles, tamales on the street," says Lucero.

Two years later, Lucero, who is now 54, immigrated to the United States, with only a few dollars in his pocket.

Lucero says he knew he could make money by creating traditional foods, so he brought his culinary skills he learned in Mexico to the U.S.

"I started working in the restaurant business when I was 15 years old," he says.

After years of working to making other people's business succeed, Lucero's began to take steps to open his own establishment.

Lucero purchased Don Carmelo's Mexican Grill in Norwalk, and most recently, became the owner of El Toro in Milford.

"The American dream for me is to come to this country and have the opportunities that they give to you and take advantage of that in a good way, in a successful way. It's learning from experience," says Lucero.

Working with his wife Maria, Lucero tells News 12 he has built something special with his family and a created a legacy for his children and grandchildren.

"It's great that you can tell your kids, your grandkids that it's possible. America, it's opportunity for everybody," he says.