Frank Neri is a chef and founder of El Primo Red Tacos, known for bold flavor and Birria mastery. After closing his first restaurant just before Michelin came calling, he doubled down on simplicity and focus.
Watch now to learn how a trip to Tijuana changed his view on flavor, a WhatsApp group kept him in the game, and doing one thing well became his recipe for success.
Sponsored by:
• TOAST – All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc
Chapters:
[01:15] – Origin of El Primo Red Tacos
[06:59] – Michelin Guide Recognition (After Closure)
[08:03] – Trip To Tijuana
[09:53] – Tech Tools: Toast, DAVO
[17:00] – Advice For Future Restaurants
SPONSORS:
RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS IS PRESENTED BY TOAST —
Restaurant Influencers is brought to you by Toast, the powerful restaurant point of sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.
• Toast All-In-1 Restaurant POS: https://bit.ly/3vpeVsc
Episode Links:
El Primo Red Tacos: https://www.elprimoredtacos.com/
El Primo Red Tacos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elprimoredtacos/
El Primo Red Tacos LinkedIn: https://www.tiktok.com/@elprimoredtacos
El Primo Red Tacos TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elprimoredtacos
Frank Neri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-neri-7a8b4632/
Baja Restaurant Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baja-restaurant-group-llc/
Key Takeaways:
A Missed Michelin Moment: When Frank Neri received an email from the Michelin Guide, his restaurant had already closed. He continued focus on what mattered most by doing one thing exceptionally well.
Specialization is a Strength: At El Primo Red Tacos, Neri built his brand around Birria, believing that focusing on one standout dish creates clarity, consistency, and loyalty.
A Trip to Tijuana Changed Everything: A 2012 visit to Tijuana introduced Neri to bold, unexpected flavors that reshaped his culinary philosophy and planted the seed for what would eventually become El Primo Red Tacos.
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ABOUT FRANK NERI —
Frank Neri is a Miami-based chef and the founder of El Primo Red Tacos. He began his culinary career after transitioning from private banking, gaining hands-on experience in kitchens across Spain and France. Neri launched his first restaurant, Pez, before opening El Primo Red Tacos with a focus on Birria and streamlined service. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys playing tennis several times a week.
ABOUT RESTAURANT INFLUENCERS —
Restaurant Influencers is a weekly video podcast series presented by Entrepreneur Media and Cali BBQ Media. Every week host and restaurant owner Shawn Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) talks with business leaders like Shaquille O’Neal, Rob Dyrdek, Emeril Lagasse, Mayim Bialik, Jon Taffer, Robert Irvine, Toast co-founder Aman Narang, and more, about their secrets to Smartphone Storytelling, marketing, branding, and how to show up where customers are engaging online.
Published by Entrepreneur Media – https://entreprenuer.com
Produced by Cali BBQ Media – https://betheshow.media
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWkuTtm6qZo
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