We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Terry Bortin And America Corrales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Terry Bortin and America Corrales, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Hamburguesas y Cervezas really came to life at our own kitchen table. For years, we’d share meals with family and friends, made from recipes passed down from America’s mother, dishes that felt like home. Our home was always filled with the aroma of sizzling spices and laughter, and it was in these small, beautiful moments that the idea began to take root. We knew these flavors were too good to keep to ourselves, and after seeing the response to America’s Taco Shop, we realized there was a hunger in the community for authentic Mexican flavors, shared in a way that felt familiar and welcoming.
As we tossed around ideas, we kept coming back to this concept of a burger—something everyone loves, but no one was making with the kind of Mexican twist that we use at America’s Taco Shop. We imagined what it would be like to take those beloved flavors and transform them into something casual, fun, and approachable, yet still unique. It wasn’t just about opening another restaurant; it was about creating a place that felt like an extension of our own kitchen, where people could come together, relax, and enjoy food that felt both comforting and exciting.
Opening Hamburguesas y Cervezas has been about bringing a blend of tradition with modern flair to downtown Phoenix. We knew it would be a place where people could feel a connection—to the food, to our story, and to each other. That’s what got us excited from day one, and that’s what continues to drive us every day.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
We’re America Corrales and Terry Bortin, the husband-and-wife team behind Hamburguesas y Cervezas, a unique Mexican-style burger concept. Our journey in the restaurant industry started with America’s Taco Shop, which came from a deep love for sharing the authentic Mexican flavors that America grew up with. Cooking has always been an integral part of America’s life—she learned it from her mother, whose handwritten recipes carry the soul of our dishes. For nearly a decade, America shared these recipes with close friends and family, filling our home with laughter, delicious food, and wonderful memories.
In 2023, we launched Hamburguesas y Cervezas as a way to bring those cherished flavors into a new, vibrant setting. Our menu combines traditional Mexican flavors with modern twists, and we’re thrilled to offer a variety of delicious choices. From juicy, flavor-packed burgers and chicken tortas to wings, fresh salads, specialty cocktails, and a curated selection of draft beers, we’ve created a menu that’s both familiar and refreshingly different. For dessert lovers, we have some incredible treats, like our signature horchata cheesecake!
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and authenticity. We don’t just make food; we share our culture, our history, and a piece of our family with every dish we serve. When we envisioned Hamburguesas y Cervezas, we wanted it to be more than just another restaurant. We aimed to create a space that feels like home—a place where our guests can experience the warmth and richness of Mexican flavors, paired with a modern touch that makes each dish exciting.
We’re proud to offer a place where traditional Mexican cooking meets an innovative, casual dining experience. Our goal is to make people feel like they’re part of our extended family, enjoying flavors that are both comforting and intriguing. We want to be a spot where people gather, whether it’s for a quick lunch or a relaxed evening, knowing they’ll experience a meal made with love and respect for our heritage.
To us, our work is about sharing something special with our community. We hope our guests leave not only satisfied but also with a sense of connection to the story behind each dish. That’s what excites us every day—knowing that we’re bringing a bit of our family history and passion for cooking to every table.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of our biggest challenges has been navigating the ongoing construction in downtown Phoenix, right outside our doors. It’s no secret that construction can be a major deterrent for foot traffic, and at times it felt like the barriers and detours were pushing us further away from the community we wanted to serve. But we knew we had something special to offer, and we weren’t going to let this hurdle stand in our way.
Instead of feeling defeated, we used it as an opportunity to connect more directly with our customers and engage with the community in a meaningful way. We started by making sure people knew we were open and letting people know about our free parking garage attached to our restaurant that avoids the hassle of finding a place to park in the busy downtown Phoenix area.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our loyal customers who made the effort to find us despite the construction. Their continued enthusiasm reminded us why we started this journey in the first place—to bring people together over great food, no matter the obstacles. This experience taught us that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges; it’s about adapting, staying positive, and finding creative ways to keep moving forward.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building our business on social media has been an exciting journey, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful word of mouth can be. From the very beginning, we knew that getting our story and our food in front of people was essential, so we made it a priority to reach out to our community online. Social media allows us to share who we are, what we’re passionate about, and, most importantly, the flavors that make Hamburguesas y Cervezas unique.
One of the most effective ways we’ve grown our presence is through inviting influencers and local foodies to come in, try our dishes, and share their experiences with their followers. We’ve found that when people see genuine excitement about our food on their favorite influencers’ pages, it resonates deeply, sparking curiosity and motivating new guests to give us a try. This approach has allowed us to build a community around our brand, where people feel like they’re part of something special, something they want to share with friends.
For anyone just starting out, we’d say don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth, both online and offline. Engage with your followers authentically, reach out to people in your area who can amplify your voice, and don’t be afraid to share the behind-the-scenes stories of what makes your business unique. Show the passion behind your work, and let people connect with your journey. And remember, the more genuine you are, the more people will feel connected to what you’re doing and want to share it with others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hamburguesasycervezas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamburguesas_y_cervezas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamburguesasycervezas/
Image Credits
Hamburguesas Y Cervezas