Taco Jabronis

Taco Jabronis is a mobile food service business operated by Juan Gonzalez and at times also by Carl Bird.

The Jabronis in action

Early era

Before Juan Gonzalez became associated with Carl Bird, his taco business was known as “Tacos El Jefe” and catered to a mainly Hispanic, Spanish-speaking market in the Melrose Park area. He performed the work on a seasonal basis, selling Mexican staples such as tacos, tamales and elotes at various western Chicagoland festivals.

Association with Carl Bird

Bird met Gonzalez through Zutroy Zagreb, a promoter who organized a disastrous wrestling event at which both Tacos El Jefe and a band managed by Bird were contracted to provide services. Zagreb had Carl dragged into his office to resolve the matter of a missing portable PA system, and Gonzalez was also present to pay vendor fees that he owed to Zagreb.

Gonzalez was unable to pay the vendor fees so Zagreb took possession of the pickup truck Gonzalez was using to operate his business. In the parking lot afterwards, Carl and Jose engaged in conversation. Carl offered to let him use his van in return for a cut of the profits.