Torchy's Tacos

Torchy's Tacos was founded in 2006 by Mike Rypka, who launched the concept from a food trailer on South 1st Street in Austin, Texas after careers cooking for clients including the World Bank, MTV Studios, and Disney Animation. The brand's 'Damn Good' slogan and devil mascot emerged organically from early customer reactions, and Torchy's began converting to brick-and-mortar restaurants in 2010. With over 110 locations across 14 states as of 2023 and a policy against franchising, Rypka returned as CEO in 2022 and has been recognized with Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award.