Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Toscano.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I came to the city of Corona in 1990 with my late husband Federico looking for a location to open a new taco shop. Federico was a chef and I was an accountant, which made us a great team. When we found the location we are at now, we instantly thought it was perfect for a taco shop. We opened El Taco Loco in February 1991. We were one of the few taco shops that were open in Corona at that time. Thankfully, with my late husband’s delicious and authentic recipes and my accounting skills, we got more clientele faster than we expected. The business first started with the name “El Taco Loco” and had to change the name around 2001 to “El Taco Lucas” due to legal matters. Finally, after so many years of hard work and dedication, we will be hitting our 30 years mark in February 2021.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Throughout the years, we’ve been doing well, however it has not always been a smooth road. We have had some obstacles along the years which include: not finding dependable workers at times, the recession in 2008 and now dealing with COVID-19. Also, being a single mother of three was not easy when my children were young and I had to juggle between my business and their lives (school, sports, socializing, etc.) at the same time.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
El Taco Lucas specializes in authentic Mexican food. For example we serve carnitas, al pastor, chile rellenos, sopes, etc. One of the things I am most proud of in my business is that we have always used high-quality meats and produce (even at times when business is slow). I am also thankful and proud of my children for being involved and helping me grow the business. I believe what sets my business apart from others is our great customer service, we make everything fresh daily and the fact that we never lower the quality of meat and produce no matter how good or bad the business is doing. I believe El Taco Lucas is a true taste of Mexico.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I felt I was always a leader. Since I was very young, I liked and wanted to be a businesswoman. My first experience as a businesswoman started after I graduated from high school and saved money to have a stand at the swap-meet selling clothes and shoes. That is when I realized I wanted to be a businesswoman and be my own boss. After my stand at the swap-meet did so well I opened a drug store pharmacy in Tijuana, Mexico. I later got married to my late husband Federico, which already had a taco shop of his own in Orange County. Thanks to him, I learned everything I needed to know about the food business and with my help, we opened more businesses together. Throughout my life, I have opened a total of seven businesses that I eventually sold. I am in the process of opening my 8th business in the next few months, also in Corona named “Mi Tierra Mexican Food”.
Pricing:
- 1 Burrito and a Jarrito for a flat $10.00
Contact Info:
- Address: 401 S. Lincoln Ave.
suite G
Corona, CA 92882 - Phone: (951) 278-4702
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/eltacolucas
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/taco.lucas
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/el-taco-lucas-corona?osq=taco+lucas
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