In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast, host Neal Bloom sits down with Alex Adler, co-founder of Puesto, to talk about how a family with no restaurant background built one of the most beloved modern taco brands in the country. From its La Jolla beginnings to an expanding restaurant group that includes Marisi and Romana Norte, Puesto has grown through a mix of culinary authenticity, operational innovation, and cultural conviction.

Alex shares the origin story of Puesto, early pivots that reshaped their entire concept, how Toast and DoorDash changed the game for their operations, and how they’ve kept taco trends and consumer tastes at the heart of their menu. Plus, we talk about non-alcoholic innovation, building culture at scale, and yes—his all-time favorite taco.

Key Topics Covered

The family roots of Puesto and why hospitality was a leap of faith
How Puesto went from food stand concept to a multi-state operation
The early pivot from fast-casual to full-service that changed everything
Why crispy cheese and house-made tortillas are non-negotiables
How Puesto adapted during COVID—and doubled down on delivery
Tech tools that transformed operations (Toast, DoorDash integrations)
Balancing menu staples with taco trend experimentation
Why they built their own non-alcoholic tequila alternative
Expansion news: new Puesto location, new concepts, and out-of-state growth
Filet mignon taco, pistachio-serrano salsa, and why they still ring the bell

Links & Resources

Connect with Alex Adler

LinkedIn: Alex Adler

Connect with Neal Bloom