In the center of Prospect Heights, a new taco eatery, Tacos del Barrio, is drawing attention—not only for its flavors but also for the age of its owner. At just 18, Aiden Sterlin has launched and is successfully operating the taqueria, all while juggling his responsibilities as a student, reported ABC7 New York.
Sterlin's journey started in Park Slope, and now, as he approaches high school graduation, he's preparing to expand with a second Tacos del Barrio location in the Financial District. Balancing morning classes with long shifts at the restaurant, he remains dedicated to making sure "everything is awesome" for both customers and staff. In an interview with ABC7 New York, he highlighted his focus on quality and fair pricing, while building a growing presence on social media. Explaining his approach to a streamlined menu, Sterlin noted, "less is more."
The ambition expressed is to be everywhere and have everything culinary under the Tacos del Barrio brand. The entrepreneurial path began when the owners of fast-casual chain Poke Bowl United, impressed by his work ethic at a local gym, offered the opportunity to manage a venture. This opportunity led to the creation of Tacos del Barrio, according to The New York Post.
The taqueria has gained recognition for its juicy tacos al pastor and hearty burritos, while also popularizing creations like a unique version of Trader Joe's "corn ribs." The goal is for customers to "leave with a better feeling," as he told The New York Post. Despite the challenges of the industry, the focus remains on quality control and customer satisfaction.
With graduation approaching, the young taqueria owner plans to dedicate more time to his business. He intends to take a gap year to fully focus on the taco trade and aims to build a trusted brand identity to support future ventures. He hopes to be recognized as "Aiden from Tacos del Barrio," representing success and reliability in the culinary world, as he shared with The New York Post.
