Natalie's Everyday Heroes: 'That Taco Guy' turns small business into big donations
OZAUKEE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- This week's everyday hero is showing us that a small business can make a big difference.
If you've been to a festival in Ozaukee County, you've probably seen the That Taco Guy food truck. Eli Acosta has owned it for 10 years, serving the community in more ways than one.
When the truck is open for business, the orders come in fast.
"Gotta pay attention today, huh?" said Deb, taking the orders.
Eli Acosta
Dozens of high school students lining up for a special Friday lunch.
"Corn or flour tortilla?" she asked.
They're being served up by That Taco Guy.
"Got a steak quesadilla, chicken and a steak," he said, calling out the orders.
Eli Acosta is manning the griddle.
"Here's this, that," Acosta said, sliding the orders across the counter.
He started this business almost 10 years ago.
"It was going to be a part-time job," he explained.
But the crowds that show up for his food quickly made him realize this could be a full-time thing.
"When we sell out, we sell out," he said, serving up elote.
"Cooking was just something that, people enjoyed my food. They would always ask, you should have a restaurant, why don't you do this?" Acosta said.
Acosta may cook in a small space, but he has a big heart.
"He has a personality!" exclaimed his daughter, Eliana Acosta.
She said it's his driving force.
"He's very vocal about what he believes," she said.
In the last decade, Acosta has done so much more than feed people.
"Being a small business, a family-run operation, we don't always have deep pockets or a big checkbook," he said.
That said, That Taco Guy has managed to donate more than $100,000 to Ozaukee County organizations.
"I want my customers to see that, you know, I'm also part of the community. I care and support, and the things they love, I also care about too," Acosta explained.
"I'm so proud of my dad," Eliana said.
She grew up watching her dad practice what he preaches.
"You know, he's not going to go and say something and not do it. When my dad wants to help the community, he genuinely will help the community," she said.
The students eating lunch at Living Word Lutheran High School looked like they enjoyed it.
And if the crowds keep showing up, Acosta will keep giving back.
"So now, the sky's the limit. What else can we do? And where can we take this?" he said of the future.
That Taco Guy has donated to the Ozaukee Food Alliance, Balance -- which is an organization the helps adults with special needs -- Ozaukee Non-Profit Center, and many more.
Acosta runs the business with his wife, so it's a family affair. They're out with the taco truck about 100 days a year.
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If you'd like to nominate an Everyday Hero, send Natalie a message at [email protected].