In this first of a two-part episode of The Big Dig Chicago, we sit down with Taylor and Maya Mason, the entrepreneurial duo behind Taylor’s Tacos Chicago, to explore how a bold idea turned into one of Chicago’s taco brands.

Their story begins with curiosity, travel, and a willingness to try something unexpected. After discovering the vibrant street-taco culture while attending college in California, Taylor Mason returned to Chicago inspired to recreate that experience in her hometown. What began as an idea soon grew into a thriving business built on flavor, community, and persistence.

For some, the concept raised eyebrows. Two African American women building a taco business? Why tacos?