We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alicia Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alicia below.

Alicia, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission the drives your brand?
Our mission is to share our generational family recipes and educate our community on the different styles of Mexican food and craft beer. I embrace and respect my mothers recipes handed down from her ancestors. Simple and clean food created in a homestyle fashion. Our craft beer is curated by my husband Matt who has been educating our Quvo family and friends on navigating the various styles of craft beer. Having been open now for 5 years, we continue to serve our Quvo family tasty Mexican grub and craft beer.

Alicia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Quvo is a Fonda (restaurant) serving California style Mexican grub and craft beer in a neighborhood setting. I am a first generation Mexican American. I began cooking as a young child in my parents home serving migrant farm workers in Oxnard, California. My mother, Eva Romero was well known in her barrio as a fantastic home cook. The recipes I prepare have been handed down from generation to generation. We prepare our food from scratch with consistency, flavor and passion that is unmatched. While relaxing at Quvo, our family and friends may enjoy a handcrafted beer, wine, mead, sangria or margarita. My husband Matt has been a craft beer enthusiast for over 25 years. Our selection of craft beer is constantly rotated from a variety of breweries both local and across the country. I believe what sets us apart from others is that my husband and I are involved in every aspect of our Fonda. When we are open we are present. Guests will always see me either serving or cooking, and Matthew pouring beer and running the front of the house. We are extremely proud of being able to grow the Quvo Community by sharing and having people try our family recipes that are hard to find and made with respect and love. Watching our Quvo family and friends enjoy their visit is the greatest compliment we could have imagined.

Have you ever had to pivot?
As with many owner/operators within the restaurant industry, COVID-19 brought many challenges to our existence. Prior to COVID-19, our revenue stream was primarily generated from dining within our establishment. We processed very little take-out or delivery revenue prior to COVID. With an initial 3 month shutdown of indoor dining during the early part of 2020 we had to pivot quickly to maintain a stream of income at Quvo. At Quvo, during this time we swiftly worked with several outside vendors to put together an online ordering system via our website. In addition to this online ordering system, we had in place several delivery partners that were already online where we processed the deliveries of our food and beverage. Take-out and delivery became our sole line of revenue generation for many months. Creative marketing, family packs and various specials became a vital piece of staying afloat in these difficult times. The support of our local Quvo family has always played a major role in our success, but the support during COVID-19 was truly amazing. Alicia and I were so humbled and appreciative at the level of support we received from our locals during this time.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Matt and I have always felt that one key to the success of any business, especially the service industry is to treat people with kindness and make sure everyone feels welcome. In addition to the treatment of our Quvo family and friends, our consistency with our food is of utmost importance. Great food, great service and the BEST family & friends.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.quvotacos.com
• Instagram: quvotacos_
• Facebook: Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer
• Twitter: @QuvoTacos
• Yelp: Quvo Tacos & Craft Beer