Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricardo Arias.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Ricardo Arias, and my journey in the restaurant industry started with my dad, who was my first inspiration. As a Mexican immigrant, I learned from a young age that hard work, perseverance, and believing in yourself can open doors. I started working in restaurants when I was just 16 years old, washing dishes. Even then, something inside me told me that one day, I wanted to own a restaurant of my own.
I worked my way through every part of the industry—from dishwasher to runner, waiter, and eventually manager. Each position taught me something different about the business, but more importantly, it taught me about people, hospitality, and the dedication it takes to create a great dining experience.
Eventually, I opened my first Mexican restaurant. It wasn’t easy, and honestly, I failed. But that failure became one of the most important lessons of my life. Instead of giving up, I went back into the industry and kept learning. I learned from my mistakes, paid attention to what worked and what didn’t, and continued preparing myself for the next opportunity.
Then, one morning, everything changed. My wife and I were on our way to get coffee when we passed an empty restaurant space. She encouraged me to call and find out if it was available. At first, I wasn’t sure I was ready. After everything I had been through, I questioned whether it was the right time to take another chance. But my wife believed in me when I wasn’t completely sure I believed in myself. Her trust gave me the confidence to say, “I’m ready.”
That moment became the beginning of Urban Taqueria.
I knew I had something to prove—not just to myself, but to everyone who had ever doubted me. I wanted to show people what authentic Mexican tacos should taste like and create something that represented my roots, my journey, and everything I had learned along the way.
Today, I look back and realize that the failures were just as important as the successes. Every job, every challenge, and every setback prepared me for this chapter. My journey has taught me that sometimes you have to start at the bottom, fall down, and start again before you find your way to where you’re meant to be.
And throughout this entire journey, my wife has been my biggest supporter. She has stood beside me through the uncertainty, the challenges, the failures, and the victories. Urban Taqueria is not just a story about a restaurant—it’s a story about perseverance, believing in a dream, and having someone beside you who believes in you even when you’re still learning to believe in yourself.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges was opening my first restaurant and having it fail. It was difficult, but it taught me some of the most important lessons about the business and about myself.
As an immigrant who started working at 16, I’ve always understood that success takes hard work, patience, and perseverance. I faced long hours, uncertainty, and plenty of moments of doubt, but I never let those challenges stop me.
My wife has also been my biggest support throughout the journey. She believed in me, especially during the moments when I doubted myself. Looking back, I see every struggle and failure as part of the journey that prepared me for Urban Taqueria and where I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Urban Taqueria is a Mexican taqueria focused on bringing authentic Mexican tacos and flavors to our community. We specialize in tacos made with fresh ingredients and traditional preparations, including favorites like carnitas, al pastor, and carne asada. For me, it’s about giving people a true taste of Mexico while creating a place that feels welcoming, casual, and authentic.
What sets me apart is my experience on both sides of the restaurant. I have worked in the kitchen, developing recipes and understanding the importance of quality and consistency, but I’ve also worked in the front of the house, managing operations and taking care of customers. That experience allows me to understand the entire business, from the food we serve to the experience we give every guest.
I’m most proud that Urban Taqueria represents my journey, my Mexican roots, and everything I’ve learned throughout my years in the restaurant industry. I want our customers to know that when they come to Urban Taqueria, they’re not just getting a taco—they’re getting something made with experience, passion, and a genuine desire to share authentic Mexican flavors.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories was coming home from school and smelling the food my dad had cooked for us before he went to work. That smell always made me feel at home and brought our family together, even if he had already left for work. Looking back, I realize those moments were some of my first connections to food, family, and hospitality—and in many ways, they inspired the path I would eventually take in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.urbantaquerianj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbantaquerianj/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Urban-Taqueria/61553804431566/#
