Check Out Fernando Trancoso’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Trancoso.

Hi Fernando, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Aguascalientes, Mx. Back in my childhood, my hometown was surrounded by vineyards and beautiful orchards. Since a very young age, I helped around at some taco stands and such, and I started learning a few recipes. (carnitas, pickling, traditional Mex) I fell in love with food since then. At the age of 16 I moved to Santa Fe, NM, and just like most of us I started as a dishwasher, flipping burgers, and bussing tables and that’s how I moved into fine dining, working under some amazing Chefs, sadly I didn’t have the opportunity to get formal training in culinary arts.

I had to work in front of the house for many years. Managing, waiting tables, and developing wine lists and service models. I remember watching the Chefs cooking and then buying ingredients and recreating all those dishes at home until I nailed them. At the beginning of the Pandemic, I found myself unemployed and with a little bit of savings so I saw the opportunity to start my own name I moved to Colorado and started Tepex food truck. I’ve been in business for 2.5 years in this beautiful city that has adopted me as its own.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never an easy road. My operation is a one-man band. I’m a dishwasher, chef, marketing director, accountant, etc.

Inflation and cold winters, mechanical issues have affected my business but we reinvent ourselves and our menu every day and always manage to survive and get to feed these beautiful people. One of the biggest challenges is being away from my kids.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in Mexican Cuisine, Tacos (of course), and lots of those delicious recipes I grew up with. At my food truck, the menu evolves with the seasons. We specialize in tacos but we also elevate Mexican cuisine with our multi-course dinners. Here’s where we get to have fun because we bring back traditional recipes and ingredients and we elevate them with techniques from all over the world and presentation that matches Any fine dining restaurant.

Everything is out of a food truck. We work really hard in the flavor development department, always trying new ingredients, recipes, and techniques.

What makes you happy?
First My boys!!! Seeing those smiles.

Second? Seeing the face of my guests when they take that first bite. When they get transported to a moment in their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tepexbyfernando.com
• Instagram: @Tepex_by_fernando
• Facebook: Tepextate2020

Image Credits
Emily Costa, Ernest Bordon, and Marty France