Our Story
Our Story
From the Streets of Tijuana to the Heart of Chico:
The Hernandez family’s journey is one of Grit, Hardship, Flavor, and Familia.
1983: Where it all Began
In 1983, when he was just 15 years old, Jovito Hernandez started something special. In the neighborhoods of Tijuana, he began cooking on the streets with only a few tools, driven by his passion to feed people and build something of his own.
Those first tacos were more than just food. They were the beginning of something much bigger.
1984: First Official Stand in Tijuana
A year later, Jovito took a big step and opened his first real taco stand called Tacos El Guero. It was small, but there was always a line. Tourists, locals, and people walking by kept coming back for the fresh tortillas, grilled meats, and unforgettable salsa.
This little stand was not just a business. It was where people first fell in love with his food.
1986: Expansion in Tijuana
By 1986, the demand was too much for just one stand. Jovito opened a second one, building his name as a taquero known for great flavor and consistency. His food became more than just a meal. It was a sign of trust, tradition, and community in Tijuana.
2008: A New Beginning in Chico, CA
After many years in Tijuana, Jovito moved to Butte County, California to continue his work as a taquero. In 2008, he bought a small food trailer and opened Burritos El Caporal in Chico.
It quickly became known for its big burritos and real Mexican flavor.
This was the start of a new chapter, bringing together Mexican tradition and American opportunity.
2009: From Bankruptcy to Rebirth
During the housing crisis, our family went through one of the hardest times.
We lost our home, the place we had worked so hard to build. It felt like we were starting over with nothing.
But even then, we still had one thing. Our determination. We held on to our family, our values, and the dream that brought us here.
It would have been easy to give up.
Instead, we kept going.
2011: Paradise Builds a Home
The next chapter for the family began in Paradise, California, where they opened a second location.
Paradise became more than just a place to work. It became home.
The kindness of the town matched their own values of hard work, hospitality, and community.
Little by little, they built more than a business. They built trust.
2014: The Fire That
Took Everything
In 2014, just as we were getting back on our feet, the Camp Fire tore through Paradise and took everything we had rebuilt.
Our home, our business, and years of hard work were gone in an instant.
The loss was huge. All that was left were ashes where our memories used to be. But we did not let that stop us.
Through the smoke, we found strength in each other, in our community, and in our purpose.
We started again, because giving up
was never an option.
2017: Mi Taquito Grill
Comes to Life
From the pain of loss came a new beginning. In 2017, the family rebranded and opened Mi Taquito Grill. It was not just a new name. It was a new purpose.
Every item on the menu shared more than flavor. It shared a story. Tastes from Tijuana, the heart of Michoacan, and the richness of Oaxaca.
With every taco served, they honored the past and built toward the future.
2022: Father and Son, Side by Side
By 2022, Jose Hernandez was more than just part of the team. He became a co-leader.
Working with his father, Jose brought new energy to the business, helping with catering, events, and online growth.
Their teamwork was strong. One had years of experience, the other fresh ideas. Together, they moved the brand forward.
2023: Mi Taquito Grill at CSU Chico
In 2023, the journey came full circle when Jose opened Mi Taquito Grill at Chico State University’s BMU.
From a street stand in Tijuana to a college campus in California, their food and story reached a new generation.
It was more than just growth. It showed that their legacy had become something real, lasting, and respected.
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