Building Something of His Own

When I first approached José, he seemed cautious. That's understandable. Street vendors spend long hours working in public, and trust isn't built overnight.

As we talked, though, the conversation changed. José introduced me to one of his employees and began sharing the story behind Tacos Los Abundis.

While the business has operated for only seven months, José's experience in food goes back much further. Before starting his own venture, he spent 14 years working in restaurants and developing his skills in the kitchen.

Inspired by his love of birria, mulitas, and quesatacos, José decided it was time to build something of his own. Today, many of his customers are regulars who return for both the food and the familiar faces behind the stand.

For José, the greatest reward is independence. Running his own business gives him the freedom to make decisions and take pride in his work. At the same time, the long hours can make it difficult to spend time with family.

Despite those sacrifices, José continues showing up each day with the same goal that inspired him from the beginning: serving great food and creating something he can call his own.

Quick Facts

Business: Tacos Los Abundis

Address: 1395 W. Willow Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810; 1203 N. Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744

Hours: Daily • 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Style: Birria Tacos

Most Popular Item: Birria Questacos

Location Featured: Long Beach

Favorite Part: Being his own boss

Biggest Challenge: Time Away from Family

Instagram: @tacoslosabundis

After 14 years in restaurants, José took a chance on himself and launched Tacos Los Abundis.

By Austin Iluore

After 14 years in restaurants, José took a chance on himself and launched Tacos Los Abundis.

Building Something of His Own

When I first approached José, he seemed cautious. That's understandable. Street vendors spend long hours working in public, and trust isn't built overnight.

As we talked, though, the conversation changed. José introduced me to one of his employees and began sharing the story behind Tacos Los Abundis.

While the business has operated for only seven months, José's experience in food goes back much further. Before starting his own venture, he spent 14 years working in restaurants and developing his skills in the kitchen.

Inspired by his love of birria, mulitas, and quesatacos, José decided it was time to build something of his own. Today, many of his customers are regulars who return for both the food and the familiar faces behind the stand.

For José, the greatest reward is independence. Running his own business gives him the freedom to make decisions and take pride in his work. At the same time, the long hours can make it difficult to spend time with family.

Despite those sacrifices, José continues showing up each day with the same goal that inspired him from the beginning: serving great food and creating something he can call his own.

Quick Facts

Business: Tacos Los Abundis

Address: 1395 W. Willow Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810; 1203 N. Avalon Blvd, Wilmington, CA 90744

Hours: Daily • 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Style: Birria Tacos

Most Popular Item: Birria Questacos

Location Featured: Long Beach

Favorite Part: Being his own boss

Biggest Challenge: Time Away from Family

Instagram: @tacoslosabundis

After 14 years in restaurants, José took a chance on himself and launched Tacos Los Abundis.

By Austin Iluore

Support

VendLA - A growing collection of stories from Los Angeles street vendors.

Contact

team.vendla@gmail.com

© 2026 VendLA. All rights reserved.