Spotlight On: Tacos El Javi

Spotlight On: Tacos El Javi in Big Pine!

As part of our ongoing series, we are interviewing people of interest in the area who are having a positive impact on our community.

This time, we reached out to Grace Ramirez from Tacos El Javi in Big Pine!

Now, before I start, I want to give full disclosure. When Big Pine was having its annual farmer’s market, Tacos El Javi had a little set up there where they sold food. This was pre-taco truck, mind you, so I had never tasted what they offer. After we ate, my family and I talked about how good the food was, and we never forgot it. Last year, the farmer’s market didn’t happen, and we all lamented the fact that we wouldn’t be able to try the birria again.

But fear not, because now Tacos El Javi is BACK and they have a food truck this time!

How long have you been in operation, and what was the journey to getting started?

Tacos El Javi has been in business for many years in different locations, but due to work we would always have to take time off. Now that the owner has retired from his old business and taken over 100% to his taco business, we are working a lot more. Sometimes it is a sacrifice, but it is always worth it.

What inspired you to start a taco truck business?

Business runs in the family, like a Tortilleria my family had in south Los Angeles, a panaderia Mexican sweet bread in east LA, so having a taco truck was a goal for after retirement. We love food and all the Mexican spices included is to share to our favorite customers.

What makes your tacos stand out from other taco trucks or local spots?

I want to say our food literally is done same day – it’s fresh and the secret recipe is important and the flavor combinations are key.  It’s not just the cooking is the love you have when cooking. We cook our food and we eat the food we cook because we know how we cooked it. We use the same recipe when we have our family parties, dinner, special occasions, you name it. We serve tacos burritos sopes, huaraches, tortas, and quesabirrias!

What kind of crowd do you usually attract—locals, tourists, or a mix of both?

Both/Mix, but our Big Pine community are our most loyal customers. THANK YOU Big Pine for the opportunity to serve your dinner.

Everyone is welcome to come and try our authentic Mexican food!

Lastly, where can people find your truck, and what are your hours of operation?

We are located in Big Pine, California

Big Pine Tribal Office

825 S Main st

Monday – Sunday

Winter hours 3;00-7;00

Summer hours 3:00-8;00

We are closed Tuesday & Saturday

A special thank you to Grace and Tacos El Javi for answering our questions. I cannot say enough good things about this spot. If you’re in Big Pine, drive all the way south to the Big Pine Tribal Office and you will find them. Tell them ESN sent you!

TM Rush