How to Avoid Your Taco Catering Dispute Going Viral – NBC 7 San Diego

A viral video is shining a magnifying glass on the taco catering industry after a local business said it wasn't being paid for its work, while the family who hired the business said it didn't bring enough food.

Jose Manuel Aragon is the owner of Tacos Guys. He told NBC 7 Responds that in 14 years in the restaurant industry, he's learned to figure out how many pounds of meat he needs for each event, big or small. He adds that the nature of a taco buffet – known as a Taquiza – doesn’t really allow you to track the exact number of tacos served. He said there are mostly leftovers.

Aragon admitted that he ran out of food quicker than expected at this particular event. He said this was mainly because more people showed up than agreed, or because people simply ate multiple portions.

However, Aragon isn't entirely sure what happened at the family gathering at a Santee park earlier this month. His client accused him of not bringing enough food for 50 people. However, in a social media video that went viral, the customer said that only 42 people showed up and that she refused to pay the $515 still owed after a $100 deposit.

Aragon said his employee should have notified him earlier when food was running low, but he also said he wasn't given a chance to make things right after the call.

Here's how to avoid similar problems if you're considering having one Taquiza:

• Get everything in writing: Most smaller mom and pop businesses operate on a handshake basis, but that doesn't mean you can't put everything in writing. You will find that most, if not all, are happy to sign a contract
• Do not invoke changes: It is better to send changes to the agreement via email or SMS. This way everyone is on the same page
• Check-in during the event: Touch the base with the Taquero to see how the food is doing. They often have backup plans in case more food is needed

Aragon hopes the events in Santee will help strengthen local bonds Taquiza industry with its customers.

NBC 7 attempted to contact the customer seen in the video several times, but she never returned our calls or messages.