Business Hours
About
Who says you need a business plan to start a taco joint? With a head full of ideas and a slight ache from partying all summer, Mike Rypka left his fancy executive chef job to chase his dreams. He soon found them in Austin with a newly acquired food trailer and a red Vespa scooter. A house was mortgaged. Credit cards were maxed out. And Torchy's Tacos opened on South 1st at Bouldin Creek.
Watching cars drive by, Mike realized he had bet his life savings on green chili pork and fajitas mixed with his own desire for some great street food. With no customers in sight, Mike hopped on his scooter and handed out free chips and his award-winning salsa to personally invite everyone to stop by the trailer for some tacos. It worked.
The first menu was filled more with experiments than meals. So whenever Mike heard his customers holler "damn these tacos are good!" they were added to the menu. Soon "Damn Good" became a rally cry at the trailer. The Taco Dream grew and took on a life of its own with long lines and happy customers.
Today Torchy's Tacos operate several stores and a trailer park. They've won a bunch of cool awards and had write-ups and videos spread across the nation. You can still find that passion in the food at any Torchy's, and none of it would be possible without all the customers, employees, friends and fans that share in the Taco Dream.
With appreciation,
The Torchy's Tacos Team — Mike, Jay, Farrell, Rebecca & Fonz
