Editor’s note: This translation was assisted with AI.
Adriana “Adri” Monje Balderrama, from Santa Isabel, Chihuahua, has lived in the valley for 30 years and resides in Rifle. On Jan. 9, 2026, she opened Adri’s Tacos in New Castle.
How did the idea of opening a food trailer come about?
I’ve always loved cooking. I’ve owned a cleaning company for nine and a half years, but for a long time I had the idea of opening a food truck. For one reason or another, I kept putting it off. I’ve never worked in a restaurant; it simply came from my passion for cooking.
What has been the most rewarding part of opening your business?
I had customers from the very first day. The people of New Castle have been so kind. They welcomed me with open arms and kept telling me the town needed a place like this. When the opportunity came up to open here, I thought it was the best location I could have found. One family that comes all the way from Glenwood even told me our Chihuahua-style barbacoa was the best they had tasted in the Valley. In fact, they all came back again on Sunday to eat.
How do you adapt your menu to your customers’ preferences?
I listen closely to my customers. At first, I didn’t have any vegetarian options, but several people asked for them, so I added vegetarian tacos so everyone could enjoy the menu. I always try to recommend dishes based on what each person is looking for. Whatever the customer wants.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start a business?
Go for it. It’s normal to feel afraid when you’re starting something new, but you can’t give up just because the results don’t come right away. The most important things are consistency and perseverance. Little by little, everything is possible. I encourage people to give it a try. This is the land of opportunity, and we shouldn’t let fear hold us back.
Adri’s Tacos is open every day from 9 am to 9 pm at 677 W. Main St. in New Castle. The menu features carne asada, adobada, al pastor, barbacoa, carnitas and fish tacos, along with a vegetarian option, veggie tacos. They also serve burritos, including specialty burritos such as the montado, as well as tortas, chicken wings and their popular papa asada (baked potato), among other dishes. On weekends, customers can enjoy one of the restaurant’s specialties: birria sold by the liter.