Episode 1: Familia
Meet the members of the Taco Mafia and learn how their youth shaped who they are today.
Taco Mafia
Follow a group of Austin taqueros as they support each other’s businesses and their community.
Taco Mafia
All Episodes Are Now Available to Stream
A new generation of taqueros is showing how to achieve success in a post-pandemic world, while expanding the impact that a business can have in its own community. The self-proclaimed ‘Taco Mafia’ is forging a new path through friendship, sustainability, tradition, authenticity and a commitment to give back, while addressing issues such as sustainability, immigration, gentrification, and beyond.
Watch Full Episodes
Episode 2: Amor
Edgar and Sara tell their love story; Beto balances work and parenting; Anthony and Xose host a cookout.
Episode 3: Tradición
Edgar and Sara fly to Oaxaca; Beto tours a tortilleria; Anthony and Xose get lunch.
Episode 4: Inspiración
Edgar and Sara explore Oaxaca; Beto visits taquerias; Discada has a pop-up in Houston.
Episode 5: Supervivencia
Edgar and Sara recap their wedding; Beto discusses health issues; Discada hosts a pop-up.
Episode 6: Sacrifico
The Taco Mafia reflects on how they support each other through catastrophic life events.
Episode 7: Comunidad
Sara stocks the Free Fridge; Beto buys a new trailer; Discada hosts an anniversary party.
Episode 8: Legado
The Taco Mafia breaks down Winter Storm Uri; U.S. Representative Greg Casar visits Discada.
This program is made possible in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Meet Our Cast
Edgar Rico
Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Nixta Taqueria. Edgar was raised in Visalia, California by first-generation immigrant parents from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Prior to opening Nixta, Edgar attended the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, New York. Afterwards, he worked in Los Angeles under famed Chefs Tom Colicchio and Ludo Lefebvre, and helped Jon Shook and Vinny Doloto open their restaurant Son of a Gun. Upon moving to Austin, Edgar joined the Peached Tortilla team, where he met his now-wife, Sara Mardanbigi
Sara Mardanbigi
Operations Manager and Co-Owner of Nixta Taqueria. Sara is originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas and was raised by first-generation immigrant parents from Iran. Sara was the Director Alumni Relations for International Studies Abroad before entering the food industry as a Corporate Catering & Events Coordinator for Peached Tortilla, where she met Edgar Rico. She was the Talent Engagement Manager for Torchy’s Tacos before opening Nixta Taqueria with Edgar in 2019
Anthony Pratto
Co-Owner of Discada. Anthony was raised by Italian American parents in the Pacific Northwest. At age 13, he and his dad moved to Houston where he became friends with Xose Velasco. Anthony moved into his own apartment at the age of 16, and at 19 he took a long journey of self-discovery through South America. Upon returning, he attempted to open a food truck in Austin, but did not find success until convincing Xose to open the Discada truck.
Xose Velasco
Co-Owner of Discada. Originally from Texcoco just outside of Mexico City, he immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 12 years old. He met Anthony Pratto in middle school the following year. After graduating high school, Xose worked at a restaurant while attending trade school. But before he could graduate, he lost his financial aid and was unable to finish. He was lost until Anthony convinced him to move to Austin and open the Discada truck.
Luis ‘Beto’ Robledo
Owner of Cuantos Tacos. Beto was born and raised in Austin by parents who immigrated from Tamaulipas. His mother, grandmother and aunts taught him to cook, and he continued his training at Le Cordon Bleu in Austin. After graduating, he worked at Uchiko and officially formed what he refers to as the three pillars of his cuisine: Mexican, French, and Japanese. Beto balances small business ownership with raising his daughter Emilia. As a child, Beto was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, which has exposed his family to significant health complications for generations.
Taco Mafia in the News
5 Things We Learned About Austin’s Taco Mafia From Their New PBS Show
from Eater Austin
Taco Mafia features Austin spots - here's how to watch
from the Austin American-Statesman
Austin’s ‘taco mafia’ takes their story nationwide
from the Texas Standard