Life & Work with Edmundo Esparza

Today we’d like to introduce you to Edmundo Esparza.

Hi Edmundo, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory. 
My parents are both Tijuana B.C natives and I am a first generation Mexican American, born and raised in Pomona, CA. Sadly, my father lost his cancer battle in 2005 at only 46 years old. For the last 19 years I’ve held on to memories that I never want to forget, and memories that I can only dream of recreating. My father was very proud of his native land, and he shared with my siblings and I everything he loved about it, especially his favorite food, los tacos. Growing up, it wasn’t uncommon to take a family trip across the border to our favorite taco stand and bond over what felt like, all you can eat Tijuana tacos. Tijuana was my father’s happy place and everything about those trips was captivating, from the oldies or 70’s Funk music he played in the car, to seeing my parents in their loving element, creating such unforgettable memories for us. 

Senor Esparza Tacos is more than just a restaurant; it’s a heartfelt tribute to our late father and a celebration of cherished memories. The objective was to craft a taco based on our core memory of my father’s favorite tacos. Additionally, to replicate in mass, our mother’s antiquated Mexican recipes, passed down through generations. After a few months, multiple tries, and never giving up, I took the one bite that teleported me to our childhood. There, is when I knew, Senor Esparza Tacos was ready to open the doors and share the flavors of the most authentic Tijuana style eats. 

Senor Esparza Tacos is not just a business venture but a testament to the enduring bond of family and the power of food to connect us to our roots. The Tijuana style tacos are meticulously crafted with freshly made yellow corn tortillas, the carne asada is certified angus steak, charred to perfection, topped with onion, cilantro and fresh guacamole. Everything on the menu has been uniquely put together to ensure it is delicious and our patrons can taste the quality and authenticity of the ingredients. Attention to detail ensures that each bite is not just a meal but an experience filled with love and tradition. It’s not uncommon to walk in and casually hear my father’s favorite music playing in the lobby or to see my mother, the queen of our recipes in the kitchen. 

“To bring a vision into fruition is an accomplishment, to witness it is a blessing, and to be a part of it is just the beginning.” 

-Mundo 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
An idea that sought an opportunity to come to fruition, very quickly, also came with many trials. The greatest challenge was venturing into the culinary world without prior experience. Navigating the challenges of launching a restaurant, from recipe development to operations, presented a steep learning curve. As an entrepreneur, I braced myself for setbacks and hurdles, remained determined to persevere, and didn’t lose track of my unwavering belief in my vision. I continued educating myself in a realm I was unfamiliar with and still learning as I go. Above all, the desire to cultivate a living tribute to our father’s legacy was far more important, and all the trials and tribulations along the way became part of the process. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Serving authentic, Tijuana style dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our menu consists of nothing but the tastiest recipes tested over and over to ensure the best experience for your taste buds. Fresh-made tortillas and food made to order, expect nothing but the highest quality at an affordable price. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We love feedback! We strongly believe that feedback is valuable information that will help us improve our business. Come visit us at 251 S. Irwindale Ave, Azusa, CA. 

Our hours are: 

(M-F) 8:00 am – 7:00 pm 

Saturday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm 

Sunday CLOSED 

Interested in visiting us after hours, would like to make a reservation, book a private event, or simply order in advance? Give us a call at (626) 224-0558. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://senoresparzatacos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senoresparzatacos/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/se%C3%B1or-esparza-tacos-azusa