Texas family who sold tacos from their home now in Michelin guide
A Family’s Rise to Culinary Success: The Cortez Family’s Journey
In a humble Fort Worth restaurant, customers and critics alike are raving about the Cortez family’s mouth-watering beef-based dishes, tacos, and quesadillas. Five years ago, Rilio Cortez Junior, a commercial roofer, never thought about owning a restaurant. That was until a back injury left him without a job and in need of surgery.
From Backbreaking Labor to Breaking Bread
With just $1,000 left in his savings, Cortez began selling his mother’s traditional Mexican soup from their driveway on weekends, eventually adding tacos and a few tables. As word spread, crowds grew, and his dad, Rilio Sr., emptied his 401K to invest in a food truck. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the business continued to flourish. After repaying his dad’s initial investment and undergoing successful surgery, the Cortez family opened their brick-and-mortar restaurant, Bia
Sleepless Nights Lead to Sweet Success
Though the family had zero restaurant experience, they knew a thing or two about delicious food. "Some people may have restaurant experience, but what we do know is how to make food that people love," Rilio Junior says. It wasn’t long before families, followed by foodies, flocked to the restaurant, and eventually, Michelin came calling.
Michelin’s Rare Texas Visit
Cortez only learned about the prestigious rating guide three days before the announcement. "Not until about 3 days before the ceremony that I learned about Michelin," he revealed. After franticly submitting the necessary paperwork, the family nervously watched as the results were announced online. Bia was awarded a Michelin recommended rating.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
"It’s really a one in a million," Cortez marvels. From selling taco meat from his driveway to serving 6,000 tacos a day in one of the world’s best restaurants, it’s been a whirlwind journey for the Cortez family.
The Cortez Story: A Culinary Success Born from Personal Tragedy
The American Dream, brought to life by the passion and dedication of a hardworking family, serves as a reminder that success is often the result of taking risks and believing in one’s abilities. The Cortez family’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition is an inspiration to many, proving that with the right attitude and a bit of hard work, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Credit: Jay Gray, NBC News for Fort Worth.
