Altadena taco catering enterprise proprietor fights to maintain her dream alive – NBC Los Angeles
Because the Eaton Hearth destroyed many elements of the Altadena neighborhood, Good Neighbor Bar in Altadena has remodeled its patio right into a neighborhood area the place neighbor conferences happen, and companies impacted by the wildfire are given an area to promote.
One of many companies who’re attempting to maneuver ahead within the aftermath is Tacos Casa, owned and operated by Brisa Lopez.
The Eaton Hearth destroyed her dwelling and far of her catering enterprise, however she’s nonetheless cooking whereas rebuilding her life.
“The day after, after we got here again, the storage door was on hearth, and a few grass, flowers and a tree, too,” Lopez recalled.
Lopez stated she traded stability for a long-held dream by leaving her company advertising and marketing job and beginning Tacos Casa 10 years in the past, not simply to supply a plate of meals however probably “make another person’s life just a little bit higher.”
However the dream practically went up within the flames when the flames of the Eaton Hearth swallowed a lot of his enterprise.
“We misplaced every little thing inside. I misplaced all my tools, and the roof collapsed,” Lopez stated. “But it surely’s OK. We’re right here. My stepdaughter is right here. My husband (is right here.)That is what’s necessary.”
Though Lopez admits that rebuilding her life has been exhausting, her enterprise has been shifting ahead, fueled by neighborhood assist. World Central Kitchen and different non-profits have helped her discover a business kitchen whereas native companies like Good Neighbor Bar have offered momentary locations to promote.
“It is not straightforward. It’s a must to work with the aftermath. As we speak it took me a while to get myself collectively as a result of it’s totally exhausting, very tiring, very troublesome,” she stated. “However the assist, seeing folks come by each week, that is what retains me going.”
Tacos Casa sells tacos at Good Neighbor Bar each Tuesday whereas totally different vendor supply their meals on a regular basis.
