When I met Adam, he was closing Tio’s Tacos, the only restaurant he had, after Rosedale Center shut down the entire Potluck food hall. It was not Adam’s decision, and it left him without a location or the money to simply open somewhere else.

Adam’s story is about much more than tacos. He grew up in foster care and learned to cook from the women who raised him. He remembers what it feels like to be hungry, so when people came into his restaurant without enough money for a meal, Adam fed them anyway.

“Cooking is truly the biggest gift that God gave me,” Adam said.

Adam and his son built Tio’s Tacos into a successful family business. Now, he wants to build again. His dream is “to own a place that is welcoming to everyone,” with great food, live music, and a space where people can eat, dance, and enjoy being together.

Most of all, Adam wants to leave something meaningful behind for his sons and grandchildren, something they can point to and say, “My grandfather did that.”

Donations will first help Adam pay down his existing business debt. Any remaining funds will support his next steps toward opening another restaurant, including securing a location and essential startup expenses such as a deposit, permits, kitchen equipment, and opening inventory. Our starting goal is $20,000. This is a first step toward helping Adam rebuild, not a promise that the fundraiser will cover the entire cost of a new restaurant.

Adam will be the beneficiary and receive the funds directly through GoFundMe.

Adam has spent years feeding people, helping those who could not afford a meal, and creating a place where others felt welcome. Now we have the opportunity to help him turn an ending he did not choose into a new beginning.

Please donate if you can, and share Adam’s story with anyone who believes in local businesses, second chances, and supporting the people who have always shown up for others.