Daniel & Claudia - Siblings, Business Partners & Co-Creators In the Making of Their Dream (Story 29/40)
“People across all cultures seek our food. That's when you see food goes beyond borders. Over one dish you gain friends or meet people you've never met.” Daniel, Co-Owner of The Birria Truck
As part of the Economic Development team’s Tierra Central initiative of transforming its space into a sidewalk vendors hub, The Birria Truck becomes one of its first stationed food trucks.
Their business story began in October 2019, when Daniel and Claudia decided the time to start their business was now.
Daniel: “All our life we had the narrative of being in the kitchen and wanting to open a business. Our father had always involved us in the kitchen. It was something my sister and I said, “Let’s do it.”
We started in City Heights on Poplar St. We rented a kitchen and a food truck. It was tricky in this area at first so we moved to Chula Vista. Since January 2020, we have been stationed in Chula Vista until now that we are back in City Heights..”
The Birria Truck is a food truck splitting time between a couple locations in San Diego, including locations in City Heights and Otay Mesa Center Road.
Claudia: “The pandemic benefited us. Since everything was served to-go or pickup, and since we were a food truck, people ordered online through Instagram and then they'd pick up.”
The Birria Truck developed its truck in Chula Vista, and progressively business expanded to a second location on Otay Mesa Road. But returning to City Heights remained on Daniel’s mind..
Daniel: “We would drive past Tierra Central and think, “We have to be there.” The reason is that it's a place where other food trucks can come and share. We have the facilities and the commodities. Plus, we came here and were met with people who asked, “What do you need? How can we help?” And that's like comfort; you feel safe and comfortable. We can invite people and families to Tierra Central where they share food and a comfortable space.”
Our Economic Development team provides three businesses with a permanent and safe location on the Tierra Central grounds. The commodity of a safe space is complimented by our team’s efforts in providing information and resources for running their business, like the San Diego Food Justice Project. The project aids growing and established food-related business owners in advancing their businesses through coursework and financial aid. Business owners engaging in food-related work are encouraged to apply.
Claudia: “Primarily it's a dream. I've always worked as a manager, and I think that's where the dream came from of wanting to open my own business for my family too. Having a financial safety net for my family.”
Daniel: “Immigrants or Hispanics, sometimes we fear getting to a place and asking, “Can we do this? Can I fit in with this community?” You believe in your product and in yourself and don't give up. If your product is good, you will earn your respect.”
The Birria Truck is paving its way in San Diego as a reputable birria food truck. But the dream extends beyond San Diego. Daniel and Claudia dream of their father’s birria recipe reaching people across states - who knows, perhaps across borders. In the meantime, we can enjoy their presence and tasty birria tacos and dishes here in City Heights at Tierra Central.