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Founder & chef Ivan Calderon is the founder of Taco Mesa, Taco Rosa, and Taco Mesa Tortilleria Orgánica & Café. As a third-generation restaurateur, Calderon began his career in the restaurant industry at El Torito Grill, he began as a bus boy and as he worked his way through college began to move upward within the company, eventually earning himself a role in management. As a manager, he continued to succeed and move upward within the company, making it his mission to elevate the El Torito’s operating standards and helped lead the chain in open several locations across the United States, eventually earning a position as regional manager.

Calderon pioneered healthy and authentic Mexican cuisine in Orange County nearly 25 years ago with the opening of the original Taco Mesa in Costa Mesa. The Taco Mesa brand has expanded to include four locations in Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Orange, and Foothill Ranch. In 2004, he opened Taco Rosa, an upscale sister concept focusing on Mexico City cuisine. Recognized for its authentic ingredients and outstanding service, Taco Rosa has locations in Irvine and Newport Beach. As a current Board Member of Save Our Youth and a past member of the Board of Directors for the Youth Employment Service, Calderon is also recognized for his dedication to the community.