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

Jennifer , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the restaurant industry is managing rising costs while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction. Food prices, labor costs, and overhead expenses continue to increase, making it challenging to keep menu prices competitive without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the restaurant industry often faces challenges with staff retention and fluctuating customer demand, which can impact consistency and profitability. To overcome these challenges, restaurant owners need to be innovative, adaptable, and focused on creating exceptional dining experiences that keep customers coming back.

Jennifer , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! My name is Jenny Cuevas, and I’m the proud owner of Taco Shore, a vibrant Mexican restaurant in Belmont Shore, Long Beach, California. My journey in the restaurant industry began when I came to the United States back in 1999. I started as a hostess at a place called Taco Surf. Over the years, I worked my way up, taking on roles as a server, manager assistant, and eventually, general manager. I even had the opportunity to run two stores for a while!

In a beautiful twist of fate, I was offered the chance to buy the very restaurant that helped me bloom. So, I took the leap, purchased Taco Surf, and reimagined it as Taco Shore. With the new name came my own personal touch, infused with my own quality standards and authentic Mexican recipes, making it truly mine.

At Taco Shore, we offer a delightful mix of traditional Mexican dishes, creative cocktails, and unique events that bring the community together. Our mission is to create a space where people can connect, celebrate, and feel at home. Our customers aren’t just patrons; they’re family.

What sets me apart is my dedication to authenticity and my ability to adapt and innovate. I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built and the fact that Taco Shore has become a cherished part of the Belmont Shore community. We’re more than just a restaurant; we’re an experience, a place where memories are made, and I’m excited to continue this journey, one delicious taco at a time.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Resilience is kind of the unofficial job description when you run a restaurant for over 12 years. But honestly, the biggest test came after a trusted employee betrayed my trust and created chaos behind the scenes. It affected morale, damaged the workflow, and nearly broke my confidence. I had to step in hard firing someone is never fun, but I had to rebuild my team and my standards from scratch. I didn’t give up. I reorganized how we do inventory, payroll, and communication. Now I have a tighter ship and a better crew. I learned that even if people disappoint you, you don’t fold you get clearer, tougher, and smarter

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that I had to do everything myself — like being the hero of the story 24/7. For years, I handled payroll, menus, events, hiring, firing, marketing… you name it. But burnout hit hard. I realized I was being a control freak, and it was hurting both me and the business. Once I started trusting my team, delegating real responsibility, and even asking for help (shocker), things got better. I could finally think instead of just react. Unlearning that lone-wolf mentality probably saved me from closing shop or losing my mind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.tacoshiore.com
• Instagram: @tacoshorelb
• Facebook: @tacoshorelb
• Yelp: Taco shore Long Beach
• Other: Tick tock
  Tacoshorelb / catering VW