TAQUERIA EL FUNDADOR WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN Thirty four year-old Jose Ochoa has mastered the art of blending tradition and family values with embracing trends and modern marketing techniques. Jose runs Taqueria El Fundador for his family, who created this spot at Van Buren and 33nd Avenue, in 1985. Created by Jose’s late uncle, the restaurant has undergone two name changes, a remodel, and rebranding, but one constant has been the food. “Our carne asada and al pastor haven’t changed, and that’s why our neighborhood customers love us,” he says. “We’ve seen three generations come thru, eating the same food. They can count on us.” When the birria trend hit, Ochoa tapped a family recipe that never made the menu, and now it’s a top seller. Besides those iconic birria tacos with a side of consomé for dipping, Taqueria El Fundador recently debuted birria flautas, topped with crema Mexicana, curtido, red onion, and queso fresco. Birria is also a key ingredient in the El Jefe Plate, a hearty meal with three crispy birra tacos, three shrimp and queso tacos, side of consomé, and large agua fresca. Agua frescas and horchata are made fresh, in-house, daily. “We don’t use any powders or pre-made product,” he says. On Instagram, you’ll see robust interaction with videos that rival actual television commercials, promoting everything from $1.50 Taco Tuesdays, to two for $10 al pastor burrito Thursdays. “We go through two to three trompos of al pastor daily,” he says, likely because of the blend of longtime and new customers. When asked why Pancho Villa was chosen for the logo, Ochoa says “he represents strength, he represents legacy.” 3245 W. VAN BUREN ST., PHOENIX TEFPHOENIX.COM | 602.233.9818 EAT 2022 | PHOENIX NEW TIMES | MAY 19TH - MAY 25TH 7
