FROM ABUELA’S KITCHEN TO YOURS

Abuela’s Tacos has been serving up mouth-watering Mexican cuisine to the community since 2011.

The founder, Leslie Valdes, was inspired to start the restaurant after a difficult experience at Sunrise Hospital with her grandmother, Abuela Sara. The doctor had warned them that Abuela Sara might not make it through her surgery because of her age, and it hit Leslie hard to think that she might lose her.

Having just graduated with her MBA, Leslie decided to honor her grandmother by opening a restaurant dedicated to her. Abuela Sara was known for her delicious Cuban food, and Leslie wanted to bring that same passion and flavor to the community. Despite the recession and the odds being stacked against them, Leslie signed the lease for an old mechanic shop in her childhood neighborhood and opened Abuela’s Tacos on January 21, 2011.

The recipes at Abuela’s Tacos come from the main cook, Rita Ayala, who uses her Abuelita’s recipes from Durango, Mexico. Leslie and her team knew that they had to make everything homemade and from scratch to ensure that the food tasted just like it was made by someone’s grandmother. Even with very little staff at the beginning, everyone put their hearts into the restaurant to make it a success.

The first five years were critical for the restaurant’s survival, but just when they had made it past that milestone, COVID-19 hit. It was a challenging time for Abuela’s Tacos, but Leslie knew that some of her staff relied on the restaurant to make ends meet. They pivoted to curbside and delivery options, and with the support of their loyal customers, they were able to keep the doors open and continue serving the community.

Now, twelve years later, Abuela’s Tacos has not only survived but thrived. They sponsor as many youth teams as they can and hold car washes and fundraisers to help the community when in need. And they have been recognized for their outstanding food and service, having been voted Best Tacos LV twice with the Review Journal, once with the Las Vegas Weekly, and even featured on Netflix’s Tacos of Chronicles. In 2021, the restaurant was even honored to be part of the Allegiant Stadium, with two stands inside the stadium. They’ve even won an award with the Vegas Knights.

Leslie credits her success to her amazing staff, including her kids and her mom, who have helped her tremendously over the years. But more than anything, it’s the passion and love for Abuela Sara that drives Leslie and her team to keep making amazing food and giving back to the community.

Abuela’s Tacos is not just a restaurant, it’s a symbol of the power of love and dedication. As they continue to grow and evolve, it’s clear that Abuela’s Tacos will always be more than just a restaurantit’s a living legacy of Abuela Sara’s spirit and the enduring power of family, love, and great food. Abuela’s Tacos is proof that with passion, determination, and a little bit of love, anything is possible.

Spice up your next special event with Abuela’s Tacos catering! MV