Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Arizpe.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
If we wanted to go way back to the beginning, it started 5 years ago when my husband and I decided to start eating plant-based. With this came the challenge of re-creating our favorite recipes. We started off simple but soon found out that cooking plant-based was actually quite easy. About a year later we moved next door to my in-laws in Valley View, TX. My mother-in-law always makes the best Mexican food, and we loved her tamales. She is the OG tamale maker! I loved watching her work and was amazed how fast she could make them. I was determined to make plant-based tamales just as good as hers. We officially started El Torito in November of 2022. We wanted to create authentic Mexican food, but for an affordable price. That tastes just as good is better for your health, and doesn’t cause harm to other living beings. We did it! Our tamales taste like the real thing. Our menu has now expanded and has plant-based Pan Dulce, Tres Leches cakes, we make our own salsas.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Haha well let’s just say starting a tamale business in November right before Thanksgiving, and deciding to also have a whole meal available with sides was A LOT! My husband has a full-time career. I also have my salon business, and we run a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Arizpe Animal Sanctuary, a sanctuary for neglected, abused, and unwanted farm animals. Juggling it all has been the hardest task. We didn’t expect our little business to blow up so fast, to start selling to stores and selling out of our products. Where there’s a will there’s a way, and we are doing it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a family-run business that makes authentic Mexican food, but plant-based. Our tamales are our main focus, and top sellers but we are also known for our Tres Leches and pan dulce! They always sell out! I think we are most proud of that EVERYONE loves our food, not only vegans or those that follow a plant-based diet.
What sets us apart is that we are affordable, we want everyone to be able to enjoy our food. Especially with how expensive everything is nowadays.
El Torito now also offers catering for weddings, quinceanera’s, and other events!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a wild child. I have never been scared to do something and go for it. I have always loved animals, so for us to now run a nonprofit dedicated to animals is not really a surprise. I moved out of the house at a young age and had to learn to cook. I have always loved baking and food. While living in Europe in actually worked in the restaurant industry, managing restaurants, cooking, etc.
Pricing:
- A dozen tamales $17.00
- Tres Leches cake cups $8.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eltoritoplantbasedtamales.com
