LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Hundreds of people lined up for free tacos at Abuela’s Tacos in East Las Vegas, Tuesday, all thanks to Las Vegas influencer Bluffin Bob. Although the event was one day only, the impact to the small, local business is here to stay.
Abuela’s Tacos has been part of the east side of Las Vegas for over a decade, but this summer, owner Leslie Valdes said the restaurant has faced an unexpected slowdown.
“I don’t know what happened, from June and July, it just died down, like the most percentage lowest I’ve ever seen it,” Valdes said.
That help came from Bobby Rivas, also known as Bluffin Bob – a Vegas born influencer with more than half a million followers.
“Think it’s super cool to support a local small business and someone that’s, I guess, right now struggling during these times,” Rivas said.
So precisely on Mexican Independence Day and taco Tuesday, Rivas covered the cost of hundreds of plates, turning a slow month, into a celebration.
“When we were slow for the first time in 14 years, I had to cut back hours, I never had to do that, and now they’re working extra hours, so it’s like been a huge, huge blessing,” Valdes said.
Customers waited patiently in line for their free tacos, and for some, it was about the gesture the tacos represented.
“I think for the Mexican culture and just for the restaurant, I think it’s a very big deal, just shows how many people love that culture and respect the culture and how many people are here to support it,” said attendee Emiliano Authene.
Valdes explained the day was a reminder to the community that Abuela’s Tacos is still here.
“So, if it cost me $100,000 to feed a vast majority of the community for some free tacos and support a small local business, I think it’s all worth it in my eyes,” Rivas said.
Abuelas Tacos said they are grateful for the opportunity, and they just hope the community will come back and support their small business.
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