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Taylor Mason With Taylor’s Taco is on a mission to take his business to the next level and create In-N-Out tacos.
With that daring idea in mind, the West Chicago native is transforming her beloved fast-casual taco concept into a streamlined fast-food experience that satisfies the modern customer’s desire for convenience. She’s embraced the change entirely, fueled by her willingness to adapt and, as she puts it, “fail fast.”
“People either want something quick and convenient, or they want wine and food,” Mason says. Restaurant Influencers host Shawn Walchef from Media about grilling in Cali“We really need to get down to the fast-food concept, and I think we can do that. I think we have a product that can withstand that.”
Taylor’s Tacos has served over 300,000 tacos and accomplished over 2,300 catering events. “Chicago Tribune”, Chicago Sun TimesEater and other outlets have named the company a must-visit. In August 2023, its “sexy, crispy shrimp taco” won the title of best taco in Chicago at Good morning America.
Together with her wife Maya, Mason founded Taylor’s Tacos Chicago, LLC, a company that has since grown into a popular catering company, taco bar, event space called Taylored, and nonprofit organization Tacos Create Community NFP.
Mason’s entrepreneurial journey is underpinned by her strong belief in mentorship and the power of community. “It takes a village to grow a business,” she says.
And for her, that village is huge. Mason has tapped into a wealth of resources, each in Chicago and nationally, joining programs like 10,000 small businesses Goldman Sachs AND NYPaceHe actively seeks opportunities to learn and grow, all the time looking for ways to improve his business skills and keep Taylor’s Tacos thriving.
“There’s so much to learn,” she shares. “I feel like I know so much, but I still have so much to learn. And so my mentors come from everywhere.”
Good morning America effect
Taylor Mason’s relationship picked up pace in 2023 when she appeared in Good morning America after winning the title of best taco in Chicago.
That national highlight transformed her business.Good morning America The “effect” brought lines around the corner and recognition on the streets of Chicago. Despite her fame, Mason stays humble, using the momentum of her media appearances and word-of-mouth to proceed to grow her brand—without relying too much on marketing.
“To this day people stop me and say, ‘Oh, you were at Good morning America,'” Mason says of his newfound fame. “Everyone’s like, ‘Oh, the Keith Lee effect; what about Good morning America effect?”
With her eyes set on the future, Mason is a relentless force in the food industry. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, mentorship and the drive to push boundaries to grow. “I’m just grateful that I had this platform to show who we are,” she says.
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