From Garage to Growth: Nery Haro's Culinary Odyssey

In the chaotic early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world braced for uncertainty, Nery Haro faced a personal crossroads. Laid off from his job preparing airline meals, the security of a steady paycheck vanished. With a family to support and bills to pay, the moment could have been one of despair. Instead, it became a catalyst for a bold venture, born from a garage, fueled by community, and destined to redefine success in Las Vegas.

The Unwavering Compass of Family

Haro's path to entrepreneurship was paved long before the pandemic. Raised amidst the myriad challenges of Compton, California—including a period of homelessness—he understood the profound desire for a better life. This vision sharpened after he met his wife and started a family, who became his ultimate motivation. "My wife and children are my 'why,'" he shares, emphasizing that every decision is filtered through their well-being. This deep-seated commitment propelled him through culinary school, a move to Las Vegas with his airline career, and ultimately, to the pivotal moment when everything changed. The family's decision to mortgage their future on a daring idea — selling tacos from their garage — was a testament to this foundational belief.

More Than Just Tacos

What began as a means to survive quickly blossomed into Slanging Tacos, a brand far exceeding its delicious namesake. The initial outpouring of support from neighbors, who lined up for his culinary creations, signaled something special. Soon, a food truck became the next natural step, allowing Slanging Tacos to cater events across the city. This organic growth culminated in 2026 with the opening of a small kitchen inside The Mint Tavern, marking another significant milestone in their journey. Haro stresses that the brand's essence is community. "Slanging Tacos is more than a taco business—it’s a family-owned brand built on bringing people together through great food, genuine hospitality, and community involvement," he asserts.

The Courage to Begin

For many founders, the leap into the unknown is the most daunting. Haro recounts this intensely personal struggle, identifying the decision to simply start as his single hardest choice. Leaving behind the perceived safety of employment for the unchartered waters of entrepreneurship was fraught with fear and uncertainty. Yet, he realized the greatest risk wasn't failure, but rather "never trying at all." This foundational act of courage, of betting on himself and his family, set the entire trajectory for Slanging Tacos. It validated their belief that even the most ambitious dreams begin with a single, often terrifying, step.

Authenticity and Lasting Impact

Nery Haro's definition of success has evolved profoundly. While acknowledging that conventional measures often point to wealth, his true North Star is rooted in family, health, and unity. He finds immense pride in being a present husband and father, raising children imbued with values like honesty, respect, and kindness. This personal philosophy extends to his business, where he champions authenticity. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: "Be yourself." He believes people connect with genuine stories and personalities, emphasizing that unique identity is an entrepreneur's greatest strength. This commitment to self, family, and community continues to inspire.

Building for Generations

Looking ahead, Haro is focused on the next evolution of Slanging Tacos: opening their own standalone restaurant. This move isn't merely about expansion; it's about solidifying a sustainable and profitable enterprise that can further serve the community, create jobs, and provide opportunities for others. His ambition is to establish a legacy that extends beyond his lifetime, one that his children can be proud of and that continues to pour back into the Las Vegas community that has been so integral to their journey. For Nery Haro, this is just the beginning of building something enduring, guided by hard work, humility, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive mark for generations to come.