Wisdom From The Top with Guy Raz The Way Up, Episode 6 - Nixta Taqueria
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Aug 13, 2025 Edgar Rico, Chef and co-owner of Nixta Taqueria, and his partner Sara Mardanbigi share their inspiring journey of transforming a restaurant into a community pillar in Austin, Texas. They recount feeding neighbors during a storm, which sparked their resilience. The duo dives into the emotional challenges of opening a taqueria in a city known for tacos, highlighting their blend of Mexican and Persian flavors. Their story embodies the vital role of community support and innovation amid adversity, leading to a James Beard Award.
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Mexico Trip Sparked A Culinary Obsession
- Edgar's six-month trip to Mexico led him to meet a 'corn doctor' and discover colored heirloom corn varieties.
- That experience sparked his obsession with nixtamalization and the tortilla as a central focus.
Meeting That Led To Partnership
- Edgar met Sarah while catering; it was her last day and his first day at that job.
- They connected quickly, DM'd, and went on a date, later becoming life and business partners.
Open Lean Using Turnkey Spaces
- Open lean and use existing restaurant bones to reduce startup costs and risk.
- Skip big investors early and aim for a small, workable build-out to get to breakeven faster.