Meet Art Ortiz of Taco Machin in West Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Art Ortiz.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The preparation for this project had been brewing for many years now. I had finished Culinary School a few years back and still was not quite sure how I would make my entrance into the Culinary World. I just knew I had to. I had been working in restaurants and bars, acquiring as much knowledge as I possibly could. I felt I had learned enough. I just needed a plan. I found inspiration in the whole new food truck frenzy that was starting to take off. A portable kitchen that can take you anywhere and people are digging the trend? What is not to love about that idea. So I sat back and wondered how will I execute this vision. I knew I needed a team of confident and competent candidates. I turned to my mother and younger brother for help. I presented a plan to them, a vague but aggressive plan. They were ready to take on the challenge. That was three years ago we started building our company from the ground up. Our food truck has been opened full time since March of 2019 and going strong to this day. There truly were way too many obstacles we had to overcome. We took one day at a time, slowly progressing towards the final goal of opening our doors.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I never expected the journey to be easy, but also didn’t anticipate for how challenging it turned out. We purchased a small and beat up food truck. The repairs took months and months before meeting city standards.

At many times I remember thinking to myself how scary it was to have the responsibility to have someone on payroll and assure to have funds to pay employees. What if I couldn’t meet that quota? It was a frightening thought. I had to believe in myself enough to move forward from that stage. Many times when I sat and listened to my thoughts, I would be bombarded with many “what ifs”. I had to start telling myself I am in charge and this business will go as we direct it to go.

There was much uncertainty when trying starting this company, I had lots to learn in short time. The only thing I was certain of was that our food was delicious enough to serve and delicious enough to buy.

Please tell us about Taco Machin.
Taco Machin is a local based business that specializes in the traditional Northern Mexico style of cuisine. Our short but flavorful menu is composed of culinary inspirations that come from childhood family recipes, family-style cuisine, and street food found in the streets of Sonora. We are known for our flavorful and nostalgic food. To this day, as I cook, I am aware I am presenting this food to the public and representing Mexico with this food; therefore the preparation of our food must be respected. Not tweaked, altered or changed. Our menu consists of flavorful braised beef (Birria) which just takes you back to those most flavorful and delicious meals spent with the family during a special event. Our Carne asada carries a bold punch of real and well-seasoned beef and that hickory mesquite flavor. Bland does not sit well with us. Our bold flavors is what truly sets us apart. Many kitchens have become numb to seasoning, and our flavorful meats and salsas are truly one of a kind.

There are many aspects of the business I, as a chef, am proud of. When customers come to the window to let us know they truly enjoyed their meal is something amazing. To know that someone physically consumes your work and tells you thank you for nourishing our stomach and soul is a great feeling. To know someone sat and enjoyed a moment in time through our work of food and good service is something every chef would feel so proud of. Another aspect of the business I am so proud of is the work my team and I have been able to accomplish in such a short time. Their exceptional commitment to this dream makes beyond proud.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Sitting at Grandma’s house watching her cook as I got to sit, watch and indulge in all her Mexican delicacies, she would cook. I had a teacher and I didn’t even know it.

Pricing:

• Meal and Beverage price average $15

Contact Info:

• Address: 4622 n 35th ave
  Phoenix Az 85017
• Phone: 4809809234
• Email: Tmandcatering@gmail.com
• Instagram: TacoMachinPhx
• Facebook: TacoMachinPhx

Image Credit:
larry_king_photography
charlyphoenixphoto.com
diegonacho.photography @Instagram

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