October 26, 2010
Aaron Byers is one of those lucky guys who landed himself aboard a number of “best-case scenario” yachts that indulged his passion for surfing, traveling, exploration and exotic cuisine for the past 10 years. His escapades saw him surf his way through places such as Costa Rica, while exposing him to a range of authentic foods and flavors.
“I loved working on yachts,” Byers said. “I spent my days either taking the owner fishing, diving for crayfish or surfing my way down a coast.”
Still, he spent many a sea-bound month dreaming of starting a gourmet fast food outlet that would allow him to follow in the culinary footsteps of his father.
In May, his dream came true in the shape of Nacho Bizness, a mobile restaurant that specializes in fusion tacos and burritos.
“I bought the trailer on eBay and the rest is history,” he said of his one-man show.
Before opening Nacho Bizness, Byers conducted some serious “taco research.”
“I accompanied a friend on a delivery down the California coast at the end of last year and the trip turned out to be a huge inspiration for me,” Byers said. “We stopped at various spots along the way, sought out hole-in-the-wall taco cafes and sampled our way down to Mexico.
“Trailer-style restaurants are very common and very popular in California,” he said. “I learned so much about different flavors and finally I came up with the Nacho Bizness menu. Yacht crew are used to five-star food prepared by chefs on luxury yachts, so I aim to create a product of a similar standard at a very affordable price.”
Customer Eron Gray, a local marine engineer, described Nacho Bizness as the embodiment of super service, super food, delivered super fast.
“This is my first time at Nacho Bizness, but from now on I am a regular,” Gray said as he bit into his fish taco.
Another passing first-timer not only announced his intentions of returning for the delicious food, but also marveled at the miraculous sinus-clearing effects of Byers’ ginger-enhanced lemonade.
Throughout the summer, Byers set up shop in the parking lot behind Maritime Professional Training from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday in Ft. Lauderdale. Nacho Bizness has been selected as a caterer for the annual National Marine Suppliers boat show party on Oct. 30.
Byers’ love for travel is reflected in the menu with a variety of international flavors complimenting the once-ordinary taco. Among the favorites are the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Taco, the Spicy Korean Pulled Pork Taco, the Carne Asada Steak Taco and the Baja Grilled Fish Taco. He also serves a breakfast burrito, an array of salads and his signature Chronic Ginger Lemonade. Every item on the menu is less than $7.
“For now, the mobile restaurant gives me flexibility and is proving to be financially viable,” he said, “but one day I dream of starting my own lounge restaurant along the Intracoastal."
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