Entrepreneur
Taylor Mason of Taylor’s Tacos is on a mission to take her business to the next level and create the “In-N-Out of tacos.”
With this bold idea in mind, the West Chicago native is transforming her beloved fast-casual taco concept into a streamlined fast-food experience that caters to the modern customer’s craving for convenience. She’s fully embraced this shift, fueled by her willingness to adapt and, as she says, “fail fast.”
“People either want something quick and convenient, or they want to wine and dine,” Mason tells Restaurant Influencers host Shawn Walchef of Cali BBQ Media. “We really have to go down to the fast-food concept, and I think we can do that. I think that we have a product that can withstand that.”
Taylor’s Tacos has served over 300,000 tacos and completed more than 2,300 catering events. The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Eater and other outlets have featured the business as a must-visit spot. In August 2023, its “sexy, crispy shrimp taco” earned the title of best taco in Chicago on Good Morning America.
Related: The ‘Billionaire Chef’ Wants To Bring West African Cuisine to the World — Here’s How
Alongside her wife, Maya, Mason launched Taylor’s Tacos Chicago, LLC, which has since grown into a popular catering company, taco shop, event space called Taylored and a nonprofit, Tacos Create Community NFP.
At the core of Mason’s entrepreneurial journey is her strong belief in mentorship and the power of community. “It takes a village to raise a business,” she says.
And for her, that village is vast. Mason has tapped into a wealth of resources, both in Chicago and nationally, joining programs like Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses and NYPace. She actively seeks opportunities to learn and grow, always looking for ways to enhance her business skills and keep Taylor’s Tacos thriving.
“There’s so much to know,” she shares. “I feel like I know so much, but I still have so much to learn. And so my mentors kind of come from everywhere.”
Related: This Celebrity Chef Got His Start Cooking for His Football Teammates — Here’s How He Turned It Into a Career
Good Morning America effect
Taylor Mason’s rise to prominence took a major leap in 2023 when she appeared on Good Morning America after winning the title of best taco in Chicago.
That national spotlight transformed her business. The “Good Morning America effect” brought lines around the corner and recognition on the streets of Chicago. Despite the fame, Mason stays humble, using the momentum from her media appearances and word-of-mouth buzz to continue growing her brand — without relying heavily on marketing.
“To this day, people stop me, saying, ‘Oh, you were on Good Morning America,'” Mason says of her newfound notoriety. “Everybody’s like, oh, the Keith Lee effect; what about the Good Morning America effect?”
With her eyes set on the future, Mason is a relentless force in the food industry. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, mentorship and the drive to push boundaries to grow. “I’m just so grateful that I had that platform to showcase who we are,” she says.
Related: This Founder’s Pickle-Infused Restaurant Concept Was an NYC Hit — And He’s Not Stopping There
About Restaurant Influencers
Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point-of-sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.
Toast — Powering Successful Restaurants. Learn more about Toast.
Restaurant Influencers is also supported by Walmart Business. Learn more about how you can conveniently access everything you need for your business from Walmart Business. It’s the Walmart you love, now for your business.
Read the full article here
