We had the good fortune of connecting with Victor Rico and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Victor, what role has risk played in your life or career?
You can’t win if you don’t try, simple as that. I have always been a risk taker; I like to challenge myself with things that will help me grow as a person/professional. If you think about it, life is about taking risks, whether leaving a current job to start a new one or ending a relationship to start off from scratch; Life itself is a risk, and sometimes hard decisions lead to better opportunities. I came to the US when I was 12 years old, not knowing English and having spent all my life living in a very small town. Deciding to come to this country was a risk my mother decided to take, yet, it was the best thing she could have done for my brother and I. Adjusting to a different life, environment, culture, etc., wasn’t easy at all, but I was determined to succeed. Due to my immigration status at that time, I felt like my possibilities were limited. Despite graduating with honors, I felt like going to a four-year university was off reach, so I attended a community college. And it wasn’t only my immigration status that made me feel hopeless. My parents separated a couple months before my high school graduation, and while my classmates were thinking about prom, universities, scholarships, and trips, my mind was focused on how to survive. Despite all the challenges, I can proudly say that I went to college, graduated, and I also worked as a medical assistant for one of the best hospitals here in Dallas, TX: Parkland Health. And now life has me in the restaurant industry, in charge of Taquero, a Mexican restaurant located in Lower Greenville. I would like to take this opportunity to tell anyone out there who might feel the way I did to NEVER GIVE UP! And the universe has always a plan, you just have to trust the process.
What should our readers know about your business?
I am the GM of Taquero, a young, modern restaurant with an excellent Mexican gastronomical cuisine. Taquero has been an inspiration to follow, due to its originality, not only when it comes to our plates and cocktails, but our interior and exterior designs as well. The most challenging problem we had faced is definitely the pandemic of 2019. Despite the fear, confusion, and uncertainty, we decided to fight to stay afloat. Taquero started as a small taqueria in West Dallas back in 2017. Fino Rodriguez and I have been a team ever since. He has taught me everything I know about the restaurant industry. Opening a restaurant is not easy, especially here in Dallas where there is so much competition. That’s why uniqueness is the key. At Taquero our goal is to give each of our customers an unforgettable experience filled with unique flavors, good service, and refreshing cocktails. To any of our loyal customers reading this article, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are what makes Taquero great.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you are in Dallas or planning to visit this amazing city, you definitely need to come check us out. We are located near downtown Dallas.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A big shoutout to Taquero, Mexican restaurant located in Lower Greenville, and his creator, Fino Rodriguez.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A big shoutout to Taquero, Mexican restaurant located in Lower Greenville, and his creator, Fino Rodriguez.
Website: www.taquerodallas.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/taquerodallas
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TaqueroDallas