LIKE MANY young adults leaving the nest, Lupita Pell left South Mexico with a vision and aspirations. With her mother, two sisters, and nieces and nephews still in her hometown of Oahaca, she knew more than anything that she wanted to carry on her mother’s cooking legacy and make her family proud.
Pell grew up watching her mother work in the food industry for almost 30 years, fueling within her the motivation to continue her mother’s legacy.
“She’s got the talent. She cooked very good. So, of course, I grew up watching her cook and seeing all her recipes and everything. And to be honest, it’s something that got my attention. I always wanted to be in the food industry when I came here and work in restaurants,” she said.
Having lived in the U.S. for 22 years, Pell spent 15 in Nashville. She worked for Nissan in Smyrna and often shared her delectable Latin cuisine with co-workers during potlucks. Encouraged by their praise to open a restaurant, she’d reply, “Maybe one day.”
After transferring to the Infinity plant in Decherd, she continued delighting colleagues with her authentic meals at work events, ultimately realizing that pursuing her culinary passion was her true calling.
“I was like, ‘It’s something that I need to do.’ And I got some savings. And I was thinking, ‘I think I need to get a food truck.’”
Inspired by Winchester’s community support and food truck vendors, Pell launched Lupita’s Tacos in 2021, wowing locals with her culinary talents. Offering delicious Mexican street corn and street tacos, the community enjoyed a unique taste of Mexico.
Lupita’s Tacos goes beyond traditional Mexican grub with a special Latin cuisine twist. Pell is dedicated to showcasing lesser-known Latin flavors, enriching Winchester’s food scene.
“I wanted to show people that it’s not only red rice and pinto beans but more than that. I just want to show people that there is more that we can try.”
Pell’s tasty meals eventually led to a South Jefferson Street restaurant, while her truck caters to special events like Cowan’s Fall Heritage Festival. Offering street tacos, Mexican corn, tamales, and traditional dishes like “mole” and “pozole,” Pell satisfies customers with her “home” flavors.
“It’s [the community’s] been so nice to me, and not only to me but all my family. And that makes me keep going. So, I feel like the people here in Winchester [are the ones] who put us in this position. I think the most important thing is the people in the Winchester community because, without them, I probably couldn’t make this dream come true,” she said.
Deeply appreciative of the community’s support, Pell also highlights her family’s crucial contribution to her accomplishments.
Pell’s family’s unwavering encouragement has been valuable throughout her journey. She said her husband, John, and her children have supported her every step of the way, with some of her children even working alongside her in the restaurant.
She continued, “My kids [support me and work alongside me] as well because I cook here at the restaurant, but when I used to cook at home every day, they always said, ‘Mom, you should open a restaurant.’ So it’s really important for my kids to see that it’s hard sometimes, but it’s not impossible.”
John selflessly dedicates his time to wholeheartedly embrace his wife’s mission, setting up and fulfilling all the responsibilities Lupita’s Food Truck entails. As they participate in various events and festivals, he skillfully orchestrates the truck’s setup and ensures its seamless operation.
Lupita takes immense pride in continuing her mother’s legacy by crafting exquisite homemade Spanish dishes.
“Because I moved here, I didn’t have a chance to show my mom how much I learned from her. So when she knew that I had the food truck, she was so proud. She’s so happy. Everybody’s happy over there. My sisters and my mom — they’re so happy for me.”
Lupita Pell’s journey from her hometown in South Mexico to the bustling community of Winchester is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a supportive family.
Through her exceptional culinary skills and her mother’s treasured recipes, Lupita has brought a unique taste of Mexico to Winchester with Lupita’s Tacos. Her commitment to introducing authentic Latin flavors to the community has enriched the local food scene and fulfilled her dream of carrying on her mother’s legacy.
With the love and encouragement of her family, both near and far, and the unwavering support of the Winchester community, Lupita’s Tacos has become a cherished gem, proving that dreams can come true through hard work, perseverance, and a little bit of spice. GN
