Starting a food business can be incredibly rewarding, but also a very challenging industry and it is not for the faint of heart! Aurora Alcocer-Rodriguez, owner of Taco House Company in St Thomas brought her love for authentic Mexican cuisine and her Monterrey roots to our community, turning her passion into a vibrant, thriving restaurant that celebrates both tradition and modern flavor but it wasn’t without it challenges.
Learning on the Job
One of the biggest challenges Aurora faced when starting Taco House Co. was that she didn’t have previous experience in the food industry. Understanding seasonal customer demand, planning inventory, and managing staffing while keeping food costs in check was a steep learning curve.
Aurora approached it like the entrepreneur she is—she treated every challenge as a learning opportunity.
She gathered data month by month, listened carefully to her customers, and leaned on local mentors and other business owners for advice. Over time, she built a flexible business model that could adapt to seasonal changes while maintaining high standards. Those early challenges became opportunities to develop resilience, flexibility, and a mindset of continuous learning—qualities that remain central to Taco House Company’ success today.
Developing the concept for Taco House was another important step. Aurora drew on the flavors of Monterrey to create a menu that’s simple, fresh, and full of flavor, with hand-crafted tortillas made in-house daily. Her branding was designed to feel both modern and authentic, a reflection of her culture and the dining experience she wanted to create. Working closely with family, friends, and mentors, Aurora learned that collaboration, listening to feedback, and staying true to her story were key to shaping a brand people genuinely connect with.
Planning for Success
Starting a food business requires significant upfront investment, and Aurora approached it thoughtfully. She created a detailed budget covering startup costs and several months of operating expenses, then secured a loan with EBRC that matched realistic projections. This gave her the breathing room to focus on delivering quality and growing her business with as little financial pressure as possible. Strong planning, as Aurora demonstrates, doesn’t limit creativity—it allows it to flourish.
Once doors opened, Aurora quickly learned the day-to-day realities of running a restaurant. Fast-paced customer traffic, supply shortages, and training new staff meant thinking on her feet became part of the job description. Positive word-of-mouth grew rapidly, and the team had to adjust quickly to meet demand. Implementing clear systems for food preparation and service, producing tortillas in-house, and maintaining strong supplier relationships helped ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency—even on the busiest days.
Community Makes the Difference
Aurora also understood that a restaurant is about more than food—it’s about connection. Social media allowed her to share Taco House’s story, culture, and passion with the community. Support from local suppliers, other businesses, and organizations like EBRC provided mentorship, guidance, and networking opportunities. Participation in community events strengthened relationships with customers and created a loyal following, proving that local collaboration is essential to long-term success.
Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs
If Aurora could give one piece of advice to someone starting a food business in St. Thomas or Elgin County, it would be: start small, be strategic with inventory, and keep your team lean. Overestimating supplies or staff can tie up resources and affect efficiency. Starting smart, staying flexible, and learning from experience will take you far.
Aurora’s journey shows that passion, careful planning, and community support can turn a dream into a thriving business. At EBRC, we’re proud to work alongside entrepreneurs like her—providing mentorship, financial guidance, and connection to the resources they need to succeed.
If you’re thinking about starting your own food business, our advice is it won’t always be easy, but the satisfaction of building something meaningful, connecting with your community, and sharing your passion? That’s priceless.
You can find Taco House Company on social media and at www.tacohousecompany.com.
Looking at starting or expanding a business and need help with funding? Community and business go together, and we are more than a place for advice.
Whether you’re just starting or have been in business for years, EBRC is ready to help you take the next step.