Meet Pablo Tello | Owner of Tello’s Tacos & Barbecue

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pablo Tello and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pablo, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a passion for cooking but it did not cross my mind until one of my cousin’s graduation parties. You see when we have any celebration or get-together I would alwaysoffer to cook. That day a relative asked me for a tip jar. I was like no need to tip, just enjoy the food. Personally, I just wanted to share my food one taco or BBQ plate at a time. Family is one of the main reasons I started this business. I know there is a lot of competition out there, but I embrace it and use it to make my food taste like never before.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Tello’s Tacos & Barbecue provides the best tacos and BBQ you have ever had. I want to give you more bang for your buck. I’m not trying to get rich; I genuinely want you to enjoy the food and get full! We work hard and learn how to adapt to every market or catering event we do. At one time we had too many moving components that were not needed, so we dialed it down. The lessons I’ve learned isto not sell myself short, always be prepared to sell more, and have extra product just in case. Even though I am a self-taught cook, I tend to know how to enhance the flavor in food. Family is the key to the love and passion I put into the food. Family is everything.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Monday- In the morning Segundo Coffee lab located in the Cameron Iron works building on Milby st. for La Mexicana coffee, quick bite to eat and walk around to get PopLife Popping popcorn as a snack. Afterwards, for lunch head to Frank’s Pizza on Travis St. beforeheading to Discovery Green. Dinner at The Rice Box on Shepherd.

Tuesday- The Coffee House at West End in the AM. Lunch at Local Foods on Kirby then head to Herman Park to walk around. Dinner at Hobbit Cafe.

Wednesday & Thursday- Head to Galveston and go deep sea fishing. Site-see all of Galveston, Moody Gardens, bbq or grill at the park and spend the night there.

Friday- In the morning Segundo Coffee lab for coffee, lunch at Tookies Seafood in Seabrook(all there food is good) Kemah Boardwalk to walk the food off, while there get a turkey leg from one of the vendors there. Go to the Aquarium to feed the stingrays. Dinner at Midnite Slice in Seabrook (all the pizza is good cannot go wrong). Go to a market and explore the vendors. Los Jefes put on a great market! Visit 8th Wonder Brewery and have a few drinks there, and hop over to the distillery across the street. End the night at Truck yard and enjoy the ambience.

Saturday- Relax in the Morning, head to Kat’s Barbecue before 11am- they sell out fast on the weekends. Cole’s Flea Market to walk off the food. Have a cookout with family and friends and just enjoy everyone company.

Sunday- Linna’s Donuts for breakfast (donuts and kolaches. Head to the Bay Area Farmers Market early to check out the vendors, and head to Kabucki for a late lunch.

Depending on the time of the year,  check out an Astros, Dash, Dynamo, Roughneck, Spacecowboy or Texans game.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

There are several people I would like to give a shoutout to. First, I would like to give a shoutout to my parents, my dad for teaching me how to BBQ and my mom on teaching mehow to be an all-around cook (along with the Food Network). Second, a shoutout to Los Jefes Market, The Pocket Market and The Famous Market for allowing me to be a part of their markets as I was first starting out. Without their guidance I would be lost, they’ve taught me how to market myself and network with other small businesses. Third, Brenda and Daniel Balderas- they motivate me to reach for the stars and allow me to showcase my cooking every chance I get, whether is it new food ideas or different markets to tryout. Finally, my wife, Jessica Tello, has been with me through this ride from day one and without her allowing me to take this business leap I would not be where I am today. I wouldn’t want to take this journey with anyone but her. Many people have played a very important role in this business, and I will forever be grateful no matter how small the contribution. Thank you all!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tellos_tacos_and_barbecue

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tellos.tacos.barbecue1