Gabriela Goodman began her business selling burritos door-to-door.
As a single mother of six, Gabriela’s business began with selling burritos door-to-door in her Camp Verde neighborhood on Hollamon Street. “As sales grew, we then opened a tiny restaurant in our home and my mom, my sister, some friends and all six of my children helped with the business,” said Goldman, who works 12 to 14 hours a day.
As the oldest of 10 siblings, Goodman’s traditional family recipes were inspired by her mother and her grandmother, whom she calls “Nana.” Keeping with her native fare, Goodman has also taken steps to include a health-conscious menu for special diets. “I offer gluten free, vegetarian, Keto and vegan entrees,” she said. “My beans and rice are vegetarian with no fat or flour.”
As her business grew, Goldman moved her restaurant to downtown Camp Verde at the Montezuma Inn. “We then relocated to the Bashas’ shopping center and then to the I-17 and Highway 260 Interchange. We were at one location here for 10 years before shifting over to where we are now.”
Located among gas stations and franchised fast food restaurants, Gabriela’s Taco Shop was the only individually owned business at the interchange until recently.
“We really like where we are now,” said Goodman. “We have good visibility and the drive-thru is really nice. Customers like the convenience.”
The small business owner says it’s important to have faith in what you do and have a plan. “I have a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and five-year plan.”
Camp Verde resident Cindy Anthony has known Goodman since 1992 and has followed her through all her locations. “I think she has some of the best Mexican food in Camp Verde. I especially love her salsa. She uses fresh tomatillo, cilantro, cumin – so flavorful. My kids sometimes like to go to another Mexican food restaurant in another town and I will ask them to stop by Gabriela’s to get some of her salsa to take with us.”
Cheryl Sourdif has worked as a server for Gabriela’s Taco Shop for six months. “This is the first time I’ve worked in a Mexican food restaurant and learning about food from someone who actually cooks their ancestors’ recipes has been really fun and customers really enjoy it.”
Goodman’s daughter, Daphne, 17, has helped in the restaurant since she was 9. “Working here has taught me a lot and has given me ambition to go out and make a better life for myself. I’ve developed good communication skills and this job has helped me to overcome my shyness,” she said. “I’m very proud of my mom. She’s worked so hard and has never depended on anyone or any entity. When times would get tough, she found ways to make it through.”
Finding time away from the business is challenging for Goodman, but she does take Sundays off for church and to visit her children in Phoenix. She also has written several short stories for her eight grandchildren.
Gabriela’s Taco Shop and Authentic Mexican Food is located at 1580 State Route 260 at the Hwy I-17 and 260 interchange. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 928-567-2120 or visit gabrielasmexicanfood.com. QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
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