'Tamale Guy' Claudio Velez Remains In Hospital On Ventilator But Is Stable, Family Says: 'He Will Pull Through'

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A week after Chicago's beloved 'Tamale Guy' Claudio Velez was admitted to the hospital with coronavirus and put on a ventilator, his family says his condition has stabilized but his road to recovery will be long. 

According to a social media post from Velez's family Sept. 4, he is still on a ventilator and cannot speak but is responding to his family's voices, especially when they mention the restaurant that he opened Aug. 13 in Ukrainian Village.

Velez, 55, opened the restaurant with partners Pierre and Kristin Vega after selling tamales around the city in Bucktown, West Town, Logan Square and Wicker Park for about 20 years. Fans from Chicago and beyond flocked to his restaurant and were ecstatic about the news that was a longtime dream for the tamale chef.

Eater Chicago reported that the restaurant, aptly called Tamale Guy Chicago, sold out of food in the first hour it was open.

The owners closed the restaurant last week and said it will remain closed until further notice. However, one of Velez's sons told the Tribune that the restaurant will likely reopen next week after undergoing a full cleaning. 

Velez's sickness came about two weeks after he opened the restaurant and sent a wave of sadness through the Chicago community, who quickly raised over $50,000 to help pay for his medical bills. The GoFundMe, started by Kristin Vega Aug. 28, is still receiving donations and has now raised over $56,000 by 2,000 donors. 

Good morning friends! We wanted to give an official update on Claudio’s condition since so many of you have reached out. He is still in the hospital and will be for some time but his condition has stabilized. He cannot respond verbally but we know he can hear us. He is physically responding to our voices especially when we mention the restaurant. Claudio has a long recovery ahead but we believe he will pull through. He has a lot of family, friends and tamale lovers in his corner supporting him. We truly thank all of you for your continued and generous support ❤️

A post shared by Tamale Guy Chicago (@tamaleguychicago) on Sep 4, 2020 at 8:51am PDT

Since his family has not been able to visit the hospital, they have been video chatting with him and checking in virtually. 

"Claudio has a long recovery ahead but we believe he will pull through," reads the post. "He has a lot of family, friends and tamale lovers in his corner supporting him."

In a text message to a WBBM reporter, restaurant co-owner Pierre Vega said he also hopes for Velez's speedy recovery and said his family asks for privacy during this time. 

On social media, the Vegas said the outpour of support has been a blessing. 

"We truly thank all of you for your continued and generous support," the co-owners wrote.