Mr. Tequila was founded in 2003 by my father, Rafael Romo. Born in 1968, he grew up on a ranch in Guanajuato, Mexico with his 19 siblings. His father was a “ganadero” (rancher) who would buy and sell various breeds of livestock and agricultural animals to support the family. Growing up, Rafael assisted his father and mother with the business, trading as well as caring for the various animals on the ranch.

At the age of 17, Rafael migrated to the United States settling in Chico, California. He began working in the almond orchards full time and had a part time job picking kiwis – all to raise money to help his family. During his little time off, he enjoyed cooking and creating new recipes. At the age of 27, Rafael married my mother, Maria and they started their first food truck, California Taco’s, in 1998. After the success of the food truck, Rafael was inspired and determined to find his place in the restaurant industry and eventually own his own restaurant. He found his first opportunity in Chicago, Illinois and moved there along with his brother and cousin. This is where he began to learn the ins and outs of the restaurant industry.