Authentic Mexican Cuisine - Su Taqueria Thaly's

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Vanessa Landa, Co-Owner of Su Taqueria Thaly's, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Su Taqueria Thaly’s is an authentic Mexican Restaurant serving the Chicago Community.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Vanessa, and I am 36 years old. It all started in late November 2017. The company I was working for closed its doors. I was taking a small break, trying to figure out what I would do next, but it was like God already had a plan for me. In early 2018, my father decided to step away from the restaurant business. I immediately knew we couldn’t stop serving the community he had been serving since 2009. So, I decided to take over the restaurant. During that time, the restaurant used to be open 24/7, and immediately, I knew I would need help. So, I asked my mother to join me in this new journey, and of course, my forever supporter said yes. That is right; it’s now a mother-and-daughter business. My mother’s name is Margarita.

It has not been easy, but we are here still in business. When the pandemic hit, with all honesty, I did not think we would make it. In the beginning, we would see even 2 to 3 customers per shift walk thru the door. Everyone was afraid to come out. We started to get very worried; we knew offering delivery services was a must, or we would have to possibly close. It was in a blink of an eye that I started to do research. After all my research, we decided to partner up with Uber Eats and GrubHub. In a flash, we started to see orders come in as mostly everyone was afraid to come out and were ordering either take out or through delivery services. I’m glad those scary moments are over with. Not only seeing regulars return but new faces is what keeps us going. It means we are doing something right.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Starting almost blindfolded and being still in business now for almost five years. We never thought we would become restaurant business owners, but we worked hard and received so much helpful advice from a family friend who has been a business owner for many years. With his advice and our hard work, we were able to catch up smoothly.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Having to wear all the hats. When being a small business, you name the hat, we wear them all. It’s challenging, but I am very proud of us. We’re still here, and we even made it through a pandemic.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

1. Believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.
2. Have savings in case things get tough. You just never know. Unexpected things can happen.
3. It is important not to buy too much equipment. Some items you might think you need, you may not or should not buy too many of.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.sutaqueriathalys.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sutaqueriathalys
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sutaqueriathalys/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sutaqueriathalys

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.