Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Guevara
Hi Antonio , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I, Antonio, started hosting pop-up taco stands around Dallas in July of 2022. Tejas BBQ + Tacos. I had a weekly residency at The Balcony Club, Three Links, and Charlies Star Lounge on top of other random events and catering orders.
In spring of 2024 I partnered with Tifany Swulius to apply as a vendor for the State Fair of Texas. We were not accepted, but invited to participate in a Business Masterclass organized by the State Fair. After graduating, we think we have a better chance of being accepted this year (2025).
We opened a brick and mortar location on February 4th 2025. We offer the same BBQ and tacos we were making at the pop ups, plus new items geared toward the fair. We are take-out only.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Having a full time job at the same time as doing pop-ups full time was a lot of work. No days off makes life difficult. Having to focus on every aspect of running a business leaves little time dedicated to each part. Now that we are full time at our brick and mortar, it’s still no days off, but we don’t have to worry about running someone else’s business too. Also, having a business partner allows us to focus more closely on marketing and product development.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have worked in restaurants since 2005, went to Le Cordon Bleu Dallas in 2009, but started professionally cooking in 2011 at Screen Door in Dallas, TX. I got tired of the fine dining scene and started my own journey toward opening my own restaurant at Lakewood Landing. That’s where I met Tifany. She has always been FOH, most recently the bar manager at Granada Theater. She has been baking and sharing her creations with us for years. Right now we specialize in BBQ and tacos, but I feel like I can make many kinds of cuisine and do it well. I’m most proud of my smoked sausage with escabeche taco. We make everything from scratch.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Just go work for someone you admire and listen to every piece of advice, every recipe, every personal tip they give you. Be dedicated, work hard, and the right people will notice. The State Fair connected us with many great people, but at the same time we have met a lot while bartending and cooking professionally.
Pricing:
- Smoked brisket $29/lb
- Smoked Sausage $14/lb
- Tacos $3.75 – $4 each
- Sides $3.50
- Desserts $2.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tejasbbqandtacos.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/tejasbbq
Image Credits
Antonio Guevara and Tifany Swulius took all of these photos
