Founderology Forum
Why Tacomasa's founder built a debt-free company
Editor's note: This is the first in a series featuring founders of restaurant concepts answering five questions about building their companies.
August 26, 2025 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Ivan Flores didn't set out to just build a taqueria; he set out to redefine one.
In 2021, he launched Tacomasa in Long Beach, a concept that brings the bold, authentic flavors of Tijuana street food to a new level. The company, now with four corporate-owned locations, is a testament to a unique vision: a premium, faith-driven brand built on quality ingredients, exceptional hospitality and sustainable growth.
This is the story of Tacomasa, told through five key moments from its founder's journey.
1. What is one thing you wish you had known before you began your Founder journey?
A. Failure is inevitable, but it's never final. What I wish I'd known is that every setback can be a setup for something greater when you put your trust in God. Faith turns obstacles into opportunities, trials into testimonies and challenges into chapters of His bigger story. Build your business like it's His, lead with humility, and you'll find that even in failure, you can't lose.
2. What has been the best decision you have made to date that accelerated the growth of your business?
A. Choosing to build a debt-free company has been my best decision. By self-funding and letting the success of each location fuel the next, we've grown at a healthy pace without the pressure of lenders. It's allowed us to stay nimble, keep full ownership and honor God by being wise stewards of what He's entrusted to us.
3. What is your growth plan?
A. We're building Tacomasa as a premium, faith-driven, corporate-owned brand growing deliberately, location by location, without outside debt. Each store's success funds the next, ensuring healthy, sustainable expansion. We're focused on flagship markets that strengthen our brand equity, and moving into strategic high-visibility communities. Our growth isn't just about numbers, it's about creating raving fans, developing A-player teams and building a company that honors God through excellence in every detail.
4. What's one piece of advice you would give a Founder who is trying to build a business to break through?
A. Build on faith first, then on people. Have an unshakable faith and surround yourself with a strong support system of mentors, family and friends who believe in you and speak truth to you. Then, build a team that shares your values, your vision, and your heart for excellence. Skills can be trained, but shared values are what carry a business through every breakthrough and battle.
5. What is one menu item every customer must try on your menu?
A. I'm a carne asada guy all day — mesquite-grilled, perfectly seasoned, and dropped into a warm tortilla. That's my go-to. But I'll tell you this… our adobada carved fresh off the trompo is a close second. And if you're feeling bold, hit the lengua, crispy tripe or fresh-grilled nopal. That's when you really taste Tijuana.
About Cherryh Cansler
More From Founderology ForumMore
Related Media
Subscribe
Get the latest news and resources from Fast Casual.
