About us
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Our Familia
The Story and Future of Tasty Taquitos
Tasty Taquitos is a family-owned business that started with a humble food trailer and grew into a beloved part of the Pittsburgh community, with four locations and a food truck. Rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Mexico, particularly the lessons passed down from Elizabeth’s father, Tasty Taquitos is more than just a restaurant—it’s a legacy. Each member of the Quintanar family plays a vital role in continuing this legacy, with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. Our vision for the future includes farm-to-table practices, where we grow our own food to ensure that every bite is made with love, care, and respect for the environment. We aim to make a difference in the world, one taco at a time.
Abuela
(Grandmother)
Abuelo
(Grandfather)
This is the beautiful story of a little quesadilla and her papa the burrito, both loaded with love and extra salsas, who always walked together down Taco lane…
It begins like this:
I, Elizabeth, was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, into a Mexican family. My father, Abel, was not just my best teacher, but also my dearest friend. When I was born, he was 73 years old and my mother 37. His advanced age made our time together precious, and each day, he taught me something new—especially in the kitchen, which he turned into my little castle.
My father hailed from Oaxaca, a region famous for its rich and diverse cuisine, filled with salsas and moles. I vividly remember wanting to go out and play, but he would gently say:
“It’s better that you make use of your time; learn, my daughter, learn, because one day it will serve you well.”
There were times I would cry because I wanted to play, not understanding that our time together was limited and that the recipes he was passing down would be his lasting legacy. Over time, I learned to cook, especially in a wood-fired oven, mastering the art of preparing countless delicious dishes.
We grew up surrounded by all sorts of animals, each receiving our love and care, knowing they would one day provide for us. Most of our food came from what we raised and cultivated ourselves, including the vegetables from our garden. I fondly remember the tacos we made from crickets and large ants—delicacies that are etched in my memory. My father instilled in me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, and how they are the heart of every dish.
At night, as I stirred the pot, I would get lost in thought. I would quietly thank God for what we had, always grateful for every blessing—even on days when we had little to eat. As I stirred, I prayed for those who were about to eat and for those who weren’t as fortunate, always expressing my gratitude to God.
Growing up, my family had very little. We came from humble beginnings, especially since I had many siblings. My father passed away when I was just 9 years old, leaving a deep void in my life. My younger brother Fernando became my closest companion—we were all we had, as our older siblings were already working. Fernando was my best friend and the sidekick in all my adventures. But tragedy struck again when he was taken from us at the tender age of 13, leaving me feeling even more alone. It was during these times that my father’s teachings truly came to life. I found solace in the kitchen, where my heart felt at peace, and I could overcome the loneliness by immersing myself in the art of cooking.
This journey has always been about more than just following recipes. I played with spices as if they were my most precious toys, transforming them into delicious dishes that carried memories of my father. And when I achieved the perfect blend, something magical happened.
Putting it into Action:
Throughout my life, whenever I’m in my castle—the kitchen—and I find myself lost in the sight of simmering and bubbling food, I am transported back to those moments with my father. He would remind me that cooking is not just about preparing food; it’s about expressing love and creating masterpieces that nourish the soul. “When you cook with love,” he’d say, “you’ll see the steam create little hearts.”
Even now, I can picture him there with me, guiding my hands as we create delicious meals together. In those moments, I hear his voice as clearly as ever, saying what he always used to say: “Vamos a comer, mija”—let’s eat, my daughter.
In the Present and Future:
Tasty Taquitos began with humble beginnings—a small, white-painted trailer that served as our first kitchen on wheels. From there, we expanded, purchasing a larger truck and eventually taking over the kitchen at Evergreen Café, marking our first brick-and-mortar location. We then secured another location in Southside, and now we proudly operate a full brick-and-mortar restaurant in Millvale. Today, Tasty Taquitos boasts four locations and one food truck that serves the Pittsburgh community through catering. Over the years, we’ve been honored with titles such as the best food truck, best tacos, and best Mexican food in Pittsburgh—recognitions we hold with great pride. But our journey doesn’t stop here; we have exciting plans for the future.
Our vision extends beyond merely serving food. We strive to create a unique experience at each of our locations, aiming to delight our guests not only with authentic flavors but also with the ambiance and atmosphere that make every Tasty Taquitos spot special. As we look to the future, we plan to open more locations and introduce new concepts to the city of Pittsburgh, continuing to innovate and bring fresh experiences to our community.
As the only daughter, I, Alondra, take immense pride in following in my mother’s footsteps and upholding my father’s work ethic. As a Bloom U alumna with a degree in Education, I initially moved closer to my family after graduation, intending only to stay for a short time—not planning to become part of Tasty Taquitos. But here I am, five years later, still thriving in the family business. Being involved in Tasty Taquitos has made life more interesting and rewarding, even with its challenges.
I vividly remember the comforting smell of my mother’s cooking filling our home, while my father kept busy with paperwork or landscaping. We are deeply grateful for the values our parents instilled in us and the strong work ethic they modeled—values that we strive to carry forward in our lives and business.
As the eldest son, Fernando, I have embraced these traditions, alongside my sister Alondra. Our mother instilled in us a love for authentic food, and our father taught us the importance of hard work and perseverance. One of the most significant moments in our journey was when we finally opened our first brick-and-mortar location—a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter for our family business. I remember my father often saying, “If you want something, find a way to make it work for you,” and his advice to “Save for a better future” has guided us in all our endeavors.
David and Isaac, the youngest members of our family, are already deeply involved in the family business. Isaac, the youngest, amazes customers with his confidence and charm as he takes orders and engages with guests. David, the fourth sibling, is currently mastering the art of cooking and learning all aspects of the business. We are fully supportive of him, and we hope that one day he will continue the family business, carrying forward the legacy that our parents began.
With the guidance of our father, the culinary techniques of our mother, and the wisdom passed down through generations, we proudly continue the legacy of our family-owned business. We take great pride in what we have accomplished and look forward to building on this foundation, ensuring that Tasty Taquitos remains a cherished part of the Pittsburgh community for years to come.
As for the Future:
Looking ahead, our vision for Tasty Taquitos goes beyond serving delicious food—we aim to deepen our connection with the community by teaching the importance of knowing where our food comes from. In the near future, we plan to purchase a farm where we will grow our own crops and raise our own animals, practicing holistic farming. This approach will allow us to create a full circle in our business, where every bite of food is not only delicious but also comes from a farm that embodies love, care, and respect for the environment.
Our dream is to feed our communities with food that nourishes both the body and the soul, while also strengthening our bonds with our neighbors. We envision a place where each meal is a testament to sustainable practices and a mindful approach to the world around us. By integrating farm-to-table practices, we hope to create an experience that reflects our commitment to quality, sustainability, and community.