Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Lopez.
Hi Briana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all started back In 2016, I was 17 at the time just a senior getting ready to graduate high school and enter college. My dream at the time was to succeed and make my parents proud. I really didn’t know what type of job I wanted to get later on in the future my goal was graduate high school and right after enter college and that was it. Well, that summer my dad had different plans for me. My dad has been a restaurant owner for 15 years and it hasn’t been easy for him to be where he’s at. He had to go through a lot of sweat and tears and he had to make a lot of sacrifices. Summer of 2016 my dad one day asked if I can help out at the restaurant, to help the cashier was my role that summer. But that summer my life changed, as I was so invested in helping my dad. I was a teen and let me tell you partying with friends or being outside was not my thing, I wanted to be with my dad 24/7 just so he can teach me something new in the restaurant. I quickly realized how I loved what I was doing and wanted to learn more. That fall, I was the cashier and I just loved interacting with customers and helping out.
Within the time I started picking up new job roles and let me tell you it was not easy. There was times where I would have a mental break down and just have to take a step back. Within years of helping out I know the restaurant inside an out like the palm of my hand. My dads guidance helped me get where I am today. He started it off with zero knowledge he went thru all the bumps and errors and he showed me the ways. I have 3 younger Brothers who as well started off helping us at the restaurant. They would help my dad at catering’s and we all had our falls but our dad was always there to help us back up. Don’t get me wrong working with family can be tough as there will always be disagreements and arguments. But, seeing my dads face light up when he would say “these are my children handling the restaurant” was just worth a million bucks. With in time many of his children did branch off but I stayed as I am so invested. My dream now is to open a lunch truck and a restaurant. I’m currently attending college and managing the restaurant. I had to make a lot of sacrifices but it was all worth it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, I have to constantly take a step back and start all over. In 2018, my dad got sick and I had to step up and run the restaurant alone. I couldn’t have run it without the staff and my family supporting me. It was tough and till this day 2018-2019 still hunts me. I just remember in November of 2018 my dad getting very ill and he couldn’t manage the restaurant anymore, I wasn’t going to let it go down the drain either. With everything I knew, I kept that place running till my dad came back and was able to run it again. It was not easy though, there was many nights where I couldn’t sleep because all I could think about was “what would my dad do in this situation”. I was at the restaurant 24/7 working and just trying to keep the place going. There was no time for fun all there was to do was show my dad how I am so dedicated and how I wasn’t going to let him down. Many sleepless nights, many times I would break down and question myself “what am I doing?” and I would always tell myself “your making pops proud”. In 2019, my dad recovered and came back with new ideas, we had many projects to accomplish that year. He made more custom taco catering carts and brought out new food items.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Taqueria La Mexicana #5 is located just slightly west of the Carson St. and Cherry Ave. intersection. Often rated in the “Top 10 best places to eat in Long Beach, CA”, Taqueria La Mexicana has been serving both quality classic dishes and daring new interpretations of Southern California favorites. TAQUERIA LA MEXICANA #5 IS A PURVEYOR OF FINE AUTHENTIC MEXICAN EATING. FROM OUR MOUTHWATERING CARNE ASADA TO OUR POPULAR HOT CHEETO CALIFORNIA BURRITO, WE’RE SURELY TO BE YOUR NEW “MEXICAN FOOD SPOT” AFTER THE FIRST TRY. As well, We do caterings for all types of events.
Contact Info:
- Website: taquerialamexicana5.com
- Instagram: taquerialamexicana5inc
- Other: personal Instagram @xsimplybrix
