Tacos Manzano Receives Grill Cart to Expand Its Business
Socorro Manzano is the proud owner of Tacos Manzano, a recognized LA Legacy Business that has served the North Hollywood community for over 20 years with the help of her family. However, this past year Tacos Manzano faced mandated restaurant closures due to construction in the area. Motivated by the need to generate income, maintain employment for staff, and continue serving loyal customers, Socorro began exploring new opportunities through sidewalk vending. With the support of ICON’s Sidewalk Vending team, Socorro was able to obtain a Grill Cart that will allow Tacos Manzano to bring customer favorite menu items to the streets and pop-up events throughout the San Fernando Valley.
Socorro and her brother Jesus Manzano began their journey in the 90s with a food truck after immigrating to the United States in search of greater opportunities. Combining Jesus' culinary experience with Socorro's background in restaurant administration, they took a leap of faith and opened Tacos Manzano in North Hollywood in 2002. The early years were not easy. Family members worked long days and balanced other jobs while helping keep the restaurant running. Through perseverance and teamwork, the business grew into the beloved community staple it is today.
Tacos Manzano specializes in traditional Oaxacan Cousine made from scratch, including red, green, and yellow mole,tlayudas, tacos, and tamales. Growing up indigenous, the family learned traditional cooking practices that continue to shape their recipes today. They proudly credit their unique ‘sazon’ that their customers love, for helping preserve and share Oaxacan culture with their community.
When construction-related closures began impacting their business, Socorro knew they had to adapt. Having started with a food truck, sidewalk vending felt like a natural fit. Socorro first learned about the Sidewalk Vending Program through workshops hosted by other ICON programs. In a short amount of time, the Sidewalk Vending team helped her complete the program application and update her business license to include the proper sidewalk vending classification. They also worked closely with her to navigate the Department of Public Health requirements for operating a Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO). The sidewalk vending team provided training on CMFO regulations, helped complete and submit the required health permit application packet, and guided her through each step of the approval process. In preparation for her inspection, they ensured she understood the operational and food safety requirements needed to successfully operate the Grill Cart. With her restaurant serving as a commissary for food preparation and cart servicing, Socorro is now fully compliant and equipped to legally operate her Grill Cart on the streets of Los Angeles.
Receiving the Grill Cart has created new opportunities for growth and brought Tacos Manzano one step closer to its goal of opening additional brick-and-mortar locations and pop-up operations throughout the San Fernando Valley. By combining the resources of its established restaurant with the flexibility of sidewalk vending, the family is now able to continue serving customers while expanding the reach of its traditional Oaxacan cuisine. Socorro's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple, "Salte de tu zona de confort y lánzate": Step out of your comfort zone and go for it. Through hard work, resilience, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, Tacos Manzano continues to build on a family legacy more than two decades in the making.
