Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Justo.
Hi Rafael, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our food truck started with family—specifically, the salsas passed down through generations and a deep love for chilaquiles as true comfort food. These recipes have always been part of our lives, made in home kitchens and shared around the table. We wanted to honor our ancestors by keeping those flavors alive, while making chilaquiles easy to find whenever the craving hits. We also wanted to build something people could truly connect with—whether they grew up eating chilaquiles or are trying them for the first time. What began as a way to share our family’s recipes has grown into a food truck built on tradition, love, and really good salsa.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a perfect or smooth road. From unexpected costs with the food trailer to the time and effort it takes to perfect our recipes, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. As first-time restaurant owners—and running a mobile kitchen no less—we’ve faced roadblocks we didn’t always anticipate. In many ways, operating out of a trailer comes with its own set of challenges. Still, every mistake has been a learning experience, and we continue to adapt, grow, and improve as we go.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset and have built several other businesses across different industries, including trucking. While those ventures taught us how to operate and grow companies, our passion has always come back to Mexican food—deeply rooted in our culture and heritage. This food truck allows us to combine our business experience with something truly personal. We specialize in chilaquiles made from family-inspired recipes, especially our salsas, which are the foundation of every dish. What we’re most proud of is creating food that feels authentic and meaningful, while building something people can connect with. What sets us apart is that we approach this not just as a business, but as a way to share our culture, honor our roots, and serve food made with intention.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, Rafael was very athletic and endlessly curious—the kind of kid who would disappear all day to play soccer and only come back when the sun was going down. As the middle child, he learned early how to stand out, and that turned into a naturally charismatic, life-of-the-party personality. He was social, confident, and always surrounded by friends.
Food mattered early too. His favorite was tamales with green sauce, a flavor so ingrained that it still lives on today in the salsa behind our chilaquiles.
Pricing:
- $13.49 for signature chilaquiles bowls
- Starting at $11.49 to build your own creation
- $4.75 for fresh homemade aguas frescas
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chilaquilebeast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chilaquilebeast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Chilaquile-Beast/61579365353502/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chilaquilebeast
