Caesar Ruiz, Steven Dabic & Templeton (the octopus) created a business plan for Tio Flaco's Tacos in December of 2014 with the goal of bringing authentic Mexican street tacos to the Fountain Valley/Huntington Beach area. From the start, it was paramount that all ingredients be fresh, tortillas be hand made, and the Carne Asada be grilled over wood. Tio Flaco's opened just 7 months later, in July of 2015.
Both Caesar and Steven grew up in Fountain Valley and graduated from FVHS. Tio Flaco's was inspired by Caesar's many trips to Mexico to build houses, during which he'd always make a point to enjoy the delicious street tacos of Tijuana. Tio Flaco's is named after Caesar's late uncle, Tio Flaco ("Uncle Skinny") from Argentina.