Today, we’d like to introduce you to Gustavo De Los Rios.
Hi Gustavo, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
In 1996, I came to Dallas Tx from Monterrey, Mexico. I started working in the restaurant industry a week after arriving. I came up with big dreams that started back in Mexico when I was 12 years old and opened my very first business, selling tostadas. It only lasted two days because the food inspector came and took me away. 4 years later, I opened my first Bar with a partner. We closed because my partner didn’t want to continue, and since I didn’t have the money to buy him out, I had to go back to serving, and one year later, the place was available once again. Since I didn’t have enough money to open, I had to look for other partners, and We were back in business. We Lasted for years until a big fire next door to us, and the landlord took the decision to demolish the entire block. This Bar was a very saucerful Spanish Rock Live music that marked an era in the Latin Community. We had to move to West End, but our partnership was able to succeed since we were pulling in a different direction this time around. We ended up shutting down in 2007. This year was sweet and sour because, despite another “failure,” I met the love of my life, and my first beautiful daughter came along the next year. For the next four years, I continued in this industry, joining a great food corporation where I learned more about this industry and was able to polish what I already knew. Although I was happy and it was a great experience, I felt that something was missing. Once you open your own business, it is hard to change your mind about going back to work for someone else. With all this knowledge, I was able to work for another restaurant where I met my next partner, and he offered me to open my next restaurant in Crowly, TX “Habanero. Every time that God has given me an opportunity, I have taken it without seeing the risk or dimensions of what this kind of business takes.”
I was driving one hour back and forward without traffic when I realized that I wasn’t spending time with my family and it was not worth sacrificing that since, in 2014, my second child was born, and I realized that I had not spent a day with her, Took the hard decision to sell and with God s Help I found the perfect buyer. I decided to take a break, and thinking that I fell again, I decided to look in a different direction. Little did I know what God had for me. While I was driving for Lift one day, I was hungry, and I decided to go to one of my favorite taqueria in Town. To my surprise, the place was for lease, and another great idea came to me. I told my wife and took my Wife to see it and ask to embark on a new adventure again. Knowing the struggles I had before, I knew it was going to be a hard time since every business is very hard to start and continue for the first two years. She decided to support me with my dreams once again, knowing it was going to be a struggle; she took a load off my shoulders for the first years so I could continue with our next adventure. It was hard, but together and with her support, I was able to continue with my dream. Mami Coco was created in March of 2018, and it has given many good moments. Becoming one of the favorite Taquerias in Dallas. Mimi Coco has been creating memories for our local families. Being five starts since day one, Mami Coco has been continuing to be part of Dallas History. 2020, becoming number 76 in Dallas by Yelp List and 2021, number 10in Texas as Taco Shop, 2023 became number 10 nationwide best small Mexican Restaurant, number 4 in Texas, and number 1 in Dallas, bringing with the recognition of local magazines such as D Magazine. Advocate, Dallas Morning News, and other Digital Magazines. I also had the honor of being named Best Breakfast Taco by Good Morning America in Dallas and had the opportunity to represent Dallas in New Your Good Morning America. Although we didn’t finish as winners, it was an honor to represent our State. Feature in Local Channels such as NBC, Univision, and Telemundo
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
After so many attempts before that, I will not consider ” Failures” but Life Lessons. I think believing that I was able to actually get somewhere was a challenge. I also believe that everything comes at the right time. God is always right and gives you lessons, and it’s up to you whether you learn or you give up. Also, surrounding yourself with the correct people is a must. Having my family close was essential, especially my wife, who supported me in the beginning and is still supporting me in every step I make. Having the love of my family and close friends has made me stronger and makes me feel that I am unstoppable.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mami Coco is a Mexican craving restaurant. Now, with 2 locations. The Food that we make is food that we grew up eating in our homes. We create food that creates memories in our future generation the same way we create memories growing up. Our menu consists of 6 items full of flavor. Each one has its unique combination of flavors that waters your mouth with every bite. Every ingredient is made from scratch every day. Nothing is frozen, and we make sure to choose the best quality of ingredients to cook. Streets Tacos are made with two small corn tortillas, and you can choose from any of our start meats such as fajita, chicken, shredded beef, barbacoa, prensado, and our exotic meat such lengua “Tongue” and trips “tripes,” topped up with freshly cut cilantro, onions and wedges of lime to finish it up with our homemade green and red salsa. Enchiladas are four red sauce tortillas rolled up and stuffed with fresh crumble cheese and diced raw onions topped with lettuce, grilled carrots, and potatoes, and finished with more cheese and sour Mexican cream. Flautas or three long rolled tortillas filled with your choice of shredded beef or chicken topped with cabbage, cucumbers, red onion, and tomatoes and covered with our special avocado sauce and Mexican sour cream and with the option of crumble cheese. Burritos and Quesadillas can be filled with the meat of your choice and combined with any fresh ingredients of your preference. Last but not least, our Sopes are three thick fried corn-like tortillas smeared with refried beans and topped with the meat of your choice and finished with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, Mexican sour cream, and crumbled cheese. All these can be delighted with a delicious freshly made Agua fresca, topolada, michelada (with a beer in our second location only), or any of our Mexican sodas. Mami Coco offers catering, seasonal events, and special events such as weddings, quince, and any party.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is watching how Mami Coco has been growing, and it has claimed a space in our Texan Families’ hearts. I am looking forward to what the future holds. My family makes me happy, friends and people that surround me give me peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mamicoco.org
- Instagram: @mamicocorestaurant
- Facebook: Mami Coco
Image Credits
Gaby De Los Rios
