The growth of the Hispanic population is Missouri is evident, but it seems to be more common in small towns, which allow primarily men to open businesses to integrate into the communities.

A family in a small town in Sullivan County is a great example.

Meal after meal, Jubenal Osorio and his family serve the residents of Milan and the surrounding towns.

The Osorios represent the typical Hispanic family who immigrated to the U.S. in search of a better life especially for their children.

"Ellos tienen oportunidades mejor...they have better oportunities like being able to speak both English and Spanish, that is what is best for for them," Restaurant Owner Fernanda Osorio said.

Osorio and his wife opened up Taqueria San Marcos more than six years ago when they moved from Chicago.

"Para mi ha sido aqui en este pueblo de Milan...Milan and the U.S. have been wondeful to me. Tranquility, peace, we have everything and overall security," Osorio said.

Two of their three children were born in the states, but making a home has not been a smooth ride.

"Cuando se monto, no fue facil....When we put the restaurant up it was not easy. Why? Shooping, loans, and all of the expense then the bills, but we have been paying them and now it is all easier," Osorio said.

Milan has two Mexican restaurants, but the roots Hispanics are setting into the ground go way deeper. The town has more than 2,000 people, and residents here say about 45 percent of them are Hispanics.

"Aqui en este pueblo hay...Here in this town there is a company that opens up its doors to a lot of people, good wages and good work," Osorio said.

Putting up a business isn't easy, but for Osorio, his family is worth it, especially becuase of the support he receives from them.

"Y yo al ver eso...When I see that I feel something inside that pushes me to keep going and to put more effort and dedication," he said.

Osorio and other residents expect to see more and more Hispanics as the years go by. With the years Osorio expects the population grow will be good for his family business.

"La comida...the food, we only try to make Mexican food only. This is the only way we feel like back in Mexico," he said.

Osorio said it is through food like tacos and fajitas that he and his family have set their roots and created a home in Milan.

In Missouri there are other towns like Milan with high Hispanic populations, especially in the mid-Missouri area.