Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carlo Nicastro, founder of The Original Dr. Taco, located in Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Original Dr. Taco ~ From Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Home of the World Famous Shrimp Burger. We are excited to bring the authenticity of the Yucatán Peninsula to Colorado!
Dr. Taco was started in 2003 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, by me and my wife, Cecilia "Cecy." We both believed there was a need to provide authentic Mexican food while at the same time offering their customers an unforgettable culinary experience. We accomplished this by providing a unique combination of Mexican fusion recipes and a fun atmosphere with excellent service. This laid the groundwork for worldwide recognition and raving fans.
With a unique menu crafted to perfection, Dr. Taco attracted and was featured in the Rachael Ray Cooking Show "Tasty Travels," Food & Wine Magazine, and Marsans, as well as multiple traveling books, including Lonely Planet. Dr. Taco was chosen by famed food critic and chef Jacques Pepin to be featured in his cookbook, "FastFood My Way." In this book, Chef Pepin published the world-famous shrimp burger recipe. After selling well over 1 million tacos to people from all around the globe, it's fair to say our restaurant has created a reputation emphasized by amazing food and an unforgettable experience.
Along with the many successes of the past, our team is excited to spread its wings and venture out into Colorado Springs. We are now mobile and will be visiting a local town near you.
Tell us about yourself
Dr. Taco started out of a love for cooking and a need to fill a gap for Cecy while I was working as an Emergency Room Physician in Playa del Carmen. It soon turned into a passion for both of us and has become part of who we are. We are fortunate to be able to share the experience with our family, working side by side with our kids, nephews, and sister-in-law Helena. She is now part of the Dr. Taco team. We are motivated every day by the reactions we get from people tasting our food and are looking forward to expanding to reach more taste buds.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our biggest accomplishment has been to be able to test out concepts and be successful in different markets and attract a liking by many different nationalities. This has given us the confidence that our product can flourish in any market.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the biggest challenges is the learning curve involved, and the adaptability one has to have to put on all of the different hats it takes to be a business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The first tip I would give is to make sure to do your homework. There is a lot involved in starting your business. Some steps are time-sensitive, so make sure and do your homework so you can plan accordingly.
The second tip I would give is to make sure you are all in, and it's not just a dream because there is tons of hard work to be done before the dream comes to fruition, so it's important to be fully committed.
And the last tip I would give is to make sure and have fun, so your dream does not turn into a nightmare.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you have not tried Dr. Taco, please look us up and come share an unforgettable culinary experience.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://theoriginaldrtaco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoriginaldrtaco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_original_dr_taco/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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