Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricky Hernandez
Hi Ricky , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Ricky Hernandez, I am originally from Mexico city and I am the owner of Salsa Franklin Taco. I’ve spent over 15 years working with international companies, managing their sales and marketing, and traveling about 45 weeks a year. Eventually, the constant travel and demanding schedule led to burnout, and I found myself yearning to spend more time with my family. As a family, we felt a strong desire to start something that would allow us to be together more and serve our community at the same time.
We never imagined it would be a taco truck, but God has a funny way of surprising you. After trying out different projects without much success, my wife asked me one day what my dream job would be. Jokingly, I said, “A taco guy.” Growing up, I was fascinated by the “al pastor taco guy” I’d see, skillfully slicing meat from the trompo, catching pineapple with the taco—it was clear he loved what he was doing, and that stuck with me.
We’ve always loved having friends over to grill, so when my wife sent a massive text to our close friends saying, “Hey guys! Ricky wants to start a taco business! Come over this Saturday to try our food,” I thought she was crazy—it was only Wednesday! But our friends showed up, and they all agreed we had what it took to start an authentic Mexican restaurant or something similar. That’s how we landed our first catering event for 40 people.
Just two weeks after catering small events here and there, our Church invited us to participate in their 10th anniversary event, which included two nights of concerts. Only by the grace of God and the support of our people could we make it happen! It was the first time our Church had done something this big, so no one knew how many people would show up. We prepared to feed the masses! We purchased griddles, prepping tables, coolers, tents, all the necessary utensils and containers, and a small trailer to transport it all. We asked for help from our friends (who are truly the best) and hired additional people, putting together a team of around 30 members for both days. At one point, there were around 5,000 people on that lawn! We didn’t feed everyone, but I know we didn’t stop making tacos for about four hours straight. That event really put Salsa Franklin Taco on the map in Franklin, TN!
Since then, our friends, family, Church family, community, and neighbors have all been incredibly supportive, and they keep showing up for us. Their support means the world to us, and we’re so grateful for it.
In November, we decided to purchase a 37’ long food trailer with a back porch so we can still interact with customers while preparing tacos. Having a trailer has allowed us to grow as a catering company and get our mobile taqueria to all kinds of events! This has given us the opportunity to cook fresh on-site, providing not only delicious authentic Mexican food but also a more personal touch to each event.
We’ve been blessed to participate in some of Franklin’s big community events, like Dickens of a Christmas, the Main Street Festival, Parks and Recreation events, Cheekwood, and various neighborhood events around Franklin and other nearby cities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, and we’ve faced our share of challenges. Although we’ve been business owners in the past, nothing really prepared us for the food industry. We love cooking and entertaining, but we’re not chefs by trade, so we had to learn how to prepare food for hundreds of people and manage our time effectively.
Working weekends has also been tough at times. We know we’ll eventually build a team that can help us operate the catering business, but until then, we’re doing what we can to make it work.
On top of that, we had to learn about getting the right equipment, like how to park a 40’ long trailer in challenging spots and driveways. Every challenge has taught us something new, and while it hasn’t always been easy, we’re grateful for the journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We don’t want people to think of Salsa Franklin Taco as just another food truck; we offer so much more than just food. We provide an authentic experience that’s faster and more personal than the typical food truck. Our wait time is rarely more than five minutes per order, and often it’s even quicker. Our goal is to make every customer feel like they’ve just enjoyed a taco at a traditional puesto in Mexico, just like we did growing up.
Salsa Franklin Taco is an authentic mobile taqueria designed to elevate any party or event with incredible Mexican food. We specialize in offering delicious, authentic street tacos made with fresh, often locally grown ingredients. Our signature taco is the Steak taco, featuring perfectly seasoned chopped ribeye and sirloin steak, topped with finely chopped onion and cilantro, a splash of lime, and our special roasted tomatillo and chile de arbol salsa. It’s our best seller for a reason!
But we don’t stop there. We also serve mouthwatering carnitas tacos made from slowly cooked pork, grilled chicken topped with colorful bell peppers, and the traditional chorizo and potatoes taco. All our tacos are served on corn tortillas, just like you’d find in Mexico, and paired with our fresh salsas.
What sets us apart is our commitment to bringing the full taqueria experience to your event. We take pride in providing everything you need to feed your guests, so you can relax and enjoy the party. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large festival, we ensure that every detail is taken care of, from the food to the drinks.
We’re also passionate about being a part of the community. We love participating in local events like festivals, parades, and concerts, where we can share our love for authentic Mexican cuisine with even more people.
What we’re most proud of, brand-wise, is the way we bring people together. There’s something special about seeing people connect over the food we prepare with so much care and hard work. We want your readers to know that when they choose Salsa Franklin Taco, they’re not just getting great food—they’re getting a memorable experience that transports them straight to Mexico.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is when we used to get together for lunch after church at my grandparents’ house. The whole family would be there! Grandma loved having people over, and just having her large family around wasn’t enough for her. She always invited the new family in the neighborhood or anyone who looked lonely and immediately treated them as if they were part of our family. We all pitched in to prepare the meal, set the tables, and, after having a great time together, helped clean up. My favorite way to help, of course, was at the grill!
Pricing:
- Menu a la carte $5 each taco
- Events : $20 per person
- we customize it
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.salsafranklintaco.com
- Instagram: @salsafranklintaco
