Tacos With Heart: How a 19-Year-Old and Her Family Built Henderson’s Favorite Food Truck

With family recipes, relentless dedication, and a dream that started at 18, Tamara Cortes is serving more than tacos—she is serving a piece of home.

The smell of sizzling carne asada drifts across the Henderson air as customers gather around a small red-and-white food truck. A young woman, not yet twenty, greets each person with the kind of warmth usually reserved for family. Behind her, her father works the grill with the steady focus of someone who has spent a lifetime cooking. Her mother moves swiftly to prepare the house-made salsas that regulars have come to crave. Together, they make up Mr. Taco, a food truck born from a dream and built with love.

For Tamara Cortes, the 19-year-old owner of Mr. Taco, this truck is more than a business. It is the embodiment of family, heritage, and a belief that food should not only fill your stomach but also your heart.

A Dream Started Young

When most teenagers were planning college or figuring out their first job, Tamara was sketching out a business plan with her parents. “We built it from scratch,” she says, her voice equal parts pride and awe. “My dad had the idea for the food truck, and between the three of us, we made it happen. The menu, the logo, the name—it was all ours. We wanted something that we could create from the ground up and eventually pass down.”

Tamara had grown up around food. Her father spent years working in restaurants, carefully refining his craft. Cooking was not simply a job for him; it was a form of discipline and artistry. That same ethic became part of Tamara’s DNA. “Everything my dad does, he does it the best he can,” she explains. “That’s something he passed down to me, and it’s what I try to carry into the business every day.”

At just 18, Tamara launched Mr. Taco, proving that ambition does not have to wait for age. She juggled the responsibilities of ownership while still shaping her own life, a feat she continues to balance today as a member of the Army Reserves.

Lessons Learned on the Road

Running a food truck is not without its lessons. Early on, the Cortes family realized just how much location matters. “When we first started, we set up way out in deep Henderson,” Tamara recalls. “We realized quickly that where you are makes such a difference. It took us time to build up clientele, and every time you move, you risk losing the people who’ve found you. That was something we had to learn the hard way.”

Marketing has also been a challenge, especially in a city with plenty of food options. “We’ve seen a lot of businesses with really good ideas,” Tamara says. “But if they don’t pitch it right, it doesn’t catch people’s eyes. That’s what we’ve been working on—making Mr. Taco unique and making sure people want to come back.”

Still, for all the struggles of finding footing in a crowded food scene, Tamara has held firm to the values that ground her. Quality always comes first. “If my dad feels something could be better with the food, he’ll make sure it’s right before it goes out. Our food is truly authentic, 100 percent homemade, with so much love put into it. At the end of the day, we want people to be happy through our food.”

Authenticity Served Fresh

The Mr. Taco menu is simple, but every bite speaks volumes. Tacos prepared with precision, sides made from scratch, and salsas crafted by Tamara’s mother give the food its soul. “We really wanted to bring something home,” Tamara explains. “Recipes from our family, flavors that feel authentic. A lot of places don’t capture that true taste, so we wanted to be the ones to give people the real thing.”

Unlike many food trucks that chase trends, Mr. Taco leans into tradition. It is not just about feeding a crowd; it is about serving a legacy. The Cortes family’s combined effort ensures that every detail, from the tortillas to the final garnish, carries the stamp of care. “We’re very family-oriented,” Tamara says. “We all put in equal parts. My mom makes the salsa, my dad cooks every day, and I help bring the idea to life. We want people to feel like they’re at home when they eat with us.”

Voices From the Heart

Tamara’s words often circle back to the same theme: joy. Her passion is not measured in profits but in satisfied smiles. “What inspires me is making people happy,” she says. “That’s always been something my parents taught me—to put love into what you do and share that with others.”

On what sets Mr. Taco apart, she does not hesitate. “It’s the energy we bring. It’s authentic, it’s family, and it’s done with love. That’s what makes us stand out.”

And on the importance of growth, she offers a piece of advice for other young entrepreneurs: “Make sure your idea catches people’s eyes. A lot of great ideas don’t make it because they’re not pitched the right way. Marketing matters but so does staying true to yourself.”

Community at the Center

Henderson locals have quickly found their way to Mr. Taco, drawn in not just by the food but by the family behind it. The Cortes family has created more than a place to grab a quick bite; they have built a gathering spot where regulars are remembered, and newcomers feel instantly welcome.

Their growing presence on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook has helped spread the word. “We’ve had so many people tell us, ‘We saw you on Instagram,’ and that’s how they found us,” Tamara says. The family has even launched merchandise—hoodies, tote bags, mugs—giving fans another way to represent their favorite taco truck.

The response has been deeply encouraging. For Tamara, every happy customer is a reminder that the long hours and challenges are worth it. “It’s an experience people aren’t going to find anywhere else,” she says. “We want them to feel welcome, to leave a review, to let us know how we’re doing. Our top priority is making sure people are satisfied.”

Looking Ahead

The future for Mr. Taco is bright. Tamara envisions expanding their clientele, attending more events, and becoming a staple in Henderson’s food scene. “We want regulars, we want to keep growing, and we want to expand,” she says. “It’s something we really love to do.”

Short term, the family is focused on attending local events, meeting new customers, and continuing to build momentum. “We love being invited to events,” Tamara shares. “It’s so fun to meet people, talk about our food, and share what we’ve built.”

At just 19, Tamara has already accomplished what many spend decades working toward: building a thriving, family-run business rooted in passion and perseverance. Her journey is proof that with vision, hard work, and a strong support system, age is just a number.

Come Taste the Difference

For those who have not yet experienced Mr. Taco, Tamara extends a simple invitation: come hungry, leave happy. The food speaks for itself, but so does the heart behind it.

You can find Mr. Taco online at mrtacoLV.com, or follow them on Instagram at @mrtacolvofficial for location updates, events, and mouthwatering previews of what is cooking.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.