Next month the owners behind Valley taco shop, Taco Chiwas, will celebrate their first year in business.
While an accomplishment on its own for any new business, owners Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin are hoping to celebrate with the launch of a second concept -- Cafe Chiwas.
Whereas Taco Chiwas serves tacos and burritos, Cafe Chiwas will focus on tamales, pastries and coffee.
Hernandez said the new concept was more an "extension" of the original and a "natural thing for us" in a Friday morning phone interview with ABC15.
He said Cafe Chiwas will serve three different tamales everyday until they run out, along with pastries, cookies and coffee. Guests can expect empanadas, Mexican wedding cookies and Tres Leches cake.
It will be located in a smaller space next door to Taco Chiwas off McDowell Road between 19th and 20 streets and have enough seating for 20 people.
As long as construction, set-up and permits stay on schedule, he hopes to open March 4, the year anniversary of Taco Chiwas. Hours were still being determined.
Both Hernandez and Holguin have worked in the restaurant industry for years, but the goal was always to start their own business.
"We went all in," said Hernandez on the decision to open Taco Chiwas nearly a year ago. "Nobody knew who we were. We didn't know how it was going to go."
A year later, they've gained a loyal following which Hernandez credits word of mouth.
"It's insane," he said.
The expansion was first reported by the Phoenix New Times.
