We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie & Lucca Pombo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie & Lucca, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Our parents raised us in the heart of the restaurant industry, which taught us the value of hard work, resilience, and customer care from day one. They showed us that excellence isn’t just about great food—it’s about showing up consistently, handling pressure with grace, and treating every customer like a welcomed guest in our home.

Working alongside them, we developed an extraordinary work ethic. We learned to tackle challenges head-on, test ideas, and stay curious. They didn’t just want us to survive in this business; they taught us to imagine possibilities beyond the obvious and to treat no idea as off-limits.

Even as we pursued careers outside the restaurant world—one exploring digital marketing and the other nursing—our parents’ influence pulled us back toward our destiny. This tugback wasn’t a rejection of our experiences; it was a reminder that our core strengths—discipline, empathy, and the ability to serve—are transferable and powerful in any path.

Our parents showed up when it mattered most—physically helping out during busy shifts, offering guidance when we were stuck, and answering questions we didn’t even know we had. That unwavering support gave us the confidence to take risks, to learn from missteps, and to trust the process.

Stephanie & Lucca, 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?

We are a twenty-something brother-sister duo who have taken the reins of our family’s restaurant. Our local taqueria in South Florida originally opened in July 2018, and today we proudly carry it forward with a fresh, healthy twist on Mexican cuisine.

We moved from Woodstock, New York, which inspired our father to pursue a vision of healthy, comforting food here in Fort Lauderdale. We run a scratch kitchen that we take pride in every day, from start to finish.

We cater to all walks of life and strive to create a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Every guest deserves a memorable experience, whether it’s a special event or a sad celebration, we treat customers like family and take pride in everything we prepare

Our little gem is a local, vibrant dining that emphasizes quality, transparency, and flavor. A diverse menu that accommodates gluten-free and vegan needs without sacrificing taste, a warm, fun environment where hospitality is at the center of everything.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Over time, our reputation has grown from a simple promise to a trusted reality, grounded in a few core strengths.

We invest in understanding our customers’ needs, anticipate challenges, and stay engaged beyond the sale. This deep partnership builds trust and loyalty that lasts.

We prioritize quality and reliability in every aspect of what we offer—from the core product to the accompanying services—so customers can count on a consistent experience.

We maintain standardized processes, clear communication, and dependable delivery. Our team is here and available when customers need us, and we actively collect feedback. Positive testimonials from customers and within our team reinforce our credibility and demonstrate proven outcomes.

Overall, we know what we’re doing. Our collective knowledge, experience, and disciplined approach give customers confidence that they’re in capable hands.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

We have created an environment where issues, ideas, and mistakes can be discussed openly without fear of retribution. We regularly acknowledge contributions; ensure opportunities, workloads, and rewards feel fair.

Everyone knows their responsibilities and understands how their work contributes to the customer experience and business goals. Prioritized mental and physical wellbeing as essential to consistent service quality.

Our “family” culture is a powerful asset. Pair warmth with structure to prevent burnout and ensure sustainability. We keep policies simple, transparent, and consistently applied and regularly reaffirm that the business exists to support people—both guests and staff—and that your team’s wellbeing is a business priority.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lokostakostaqueria.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lokostakostaqueria/#
• Yelp: Lokos Takos Taqueria

Image Credits

GiaFranco Cuevas