From humble beginnings as a food truck serving up authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by the flavors of Mexico City, The Taco Stop quickly became a beloved staple in Northern Colorado. What began as a small, mobile operation founded by Berenice Longoria and Cesar Lopez in 2012, has since transformed into a thriving brick- and-mortar restaurant earning “Restaurant of the Year” and “Best of Northern Colorado.”

We sat down with Berenice to explore the journey behind her restaurant’s remarkable growth.

1. Briefly describe your business (what does it provide, who does it serve, etc.)

The Taco Stop is a locally loved Mexican restaurant serving fresh, authentic, high-quality tacos and other traditional Mexican dishes. We take pride in offering a welcoming atmosphere where customers can enjoy flavorful, handcrafted meals made with passion. Our customers range from loyal locals who have been dining with us for years to visitors discovering our food for the first time.

2. How did the business start, and how is it going today?

The Taco Stop started as a small food truck with a big dream — to bring authentic, delicious Mexican flavors to our community. Over time, our dedication to quality and customer experience helped us grow into a full-fledged restaurant, taking over a 2,400-square-foot retail space in Fort Collins, CO. Today, we continue to thrive, recently earning the honor of being named one of USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year. Our growth is fueled by our commitment to great food, strong community connections, and a passion for what we do.

3. What makes your business unique or sets you apart from competitors?

Our unwavering commitment to authenticity and quality sets our business apart from competitors. Our menu is crafted with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and traditional recipes that reflect our heritage. Beyond the food, we focus on providing a memorable experience through exceptional customer service, strong community involvement, and making every guest feel like family.

4. What is your proudest achievement as a business owner or leader?

Being named one of USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year was a defining moment for us. It was an incredible honor that validated our hard work, passion, and dedication to providing an outstanding dining experience. More than any award, though, seeing our customers return time and time again — and hearing their stories of how our food has become a part of their lives — is what makes us most proud.

5. Describe a challenge the business faced and how you overcame it.

Like many restaurants, we faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adapting to new restrictions while ensuring our team’s and customers’ safety was no small feat. We pivoted by enhancing our online presence, refining our takeout and delivery options, and staying connected with our customers through social media. The loyalty of our community kept us going, and we came out stronger on the other side.

6. What do you think are the most important skills/considerations for running a successful business? What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs?

Running a successful business requires resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to quality. You have to be passionate about what you do and willing to put in the work. We advise aspiring entrepreneurs to stay true to their vision, listen to their customers, and always be open to learning and evolving. Surround yourself with a strong team; never lose sight of why you started.

7. Why did you choose FirstBank as your banking partner?

We chose FirstBank because of its strong commitment to supporting local businesses. Their personalized approach and ability to build lasting relationships made them a natural fit for The Taco Stop. We wanted a banking partner who truly understood our needs and could help us grow sustainably.

8. How has your FirstBank relationship helped with your business goals?

FirstBank has provided us with the financial tools and support to scale our business. From seamless banking solutions to business success resources, their team has been instrumental in helping us manage our finances efficiently so we can focus on what we do best — serving amazing food and our community.

9. What do you hope to see the business accomplish in the next several years?

In the coming years, we hope to expand The Taco Stop’s reach through additional locations, enhanced catering services, and exploring new ways to connect with our customers. We aim to continue growing while staying true to the quality, authenticity, and community-driven approach that has made us successful. We’re excited about what the future holds and look forward to serving even more people.

For more inspiring business success stories, visit efirstbankblog.com.

“This page may contain links to external websites. These links are displayed for your convenience. FirstBank does not manage these sites and assumes no responsibility for the content, links, privacy policy, or security policy.”

Published: March 7, 2025