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Fabian Garcia: Father of the New Mexican food industry

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 17:53 GMT by KOAT Albuquerque
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Fabian Garcia: Architect of a New Mexican‑Food Renaissance

In a story that underscores how one individual’s vision can redefine a culinary landscape, Albuquerque‑based broadcaster KOAT TV profiled Fabian Garcia—a Mexican‑born entrepreneur who has earned the nickname “the father of the new Mexican food industry.” Garcia’s journey from a small town in the Mexican Sierra Madre to the helm of a multi‑location food chain in the United States exemplifies the fusion of authentic tradition, modern innovation, and community empowerment that has become the hallmark of contemporary Mexican cuisine.

Roots and Early Influences

Garcia’s narrative begins in a modest village in Oaxaca, where family meals were a lifeline of culture and creativity. He recalls that his mother’s mole sauce was a complex tapestry of spices and patience, while his father’s homemade tortillas were the foundation of every dish. “Those early kitchen sessions taught me that food is a language,” Garcia told KOAT. “When I moved to the U.S., I wanted to keep that language alive, but also give it new words.”

After immigrating to the United States in his early twenties, Garcia worked a series of low‑pay, seasonal jobs—farm laborer, dish‑washer, and eventually a line cook at a Mexican‑American restaurant in Albuquerque. These experiences sharpened his palate and introduced him to the logistical side of the food industry. By the late 1990s, he decided that the most effective way to preserve his culinary heritage was to bring it into the mainstream.

The Birth of “Sabor México”

In 2001, Garcia opened his first storefront, “Sabor México,” on Central Avenue. The concept was simple yet revolutionary: a quick‑service restaurant that served traditional Mexican fare—tacos, tamales, pozole—alongside modern twists such as corn‑based “tortilla‑wrapped” salads and a line of vegan salsas. The menu was anchored in authenticity but also accessible to a broad American demographic.

The business model focused on sourcing ingredients directly from Mexican farms and employing artisans from Garcia’s home region. “I made it a point to pay fair wages and keep a portion of the supply chain within Mexico,” Garcia said. “That not only improved quality but also helped keep the culture alive.”

Sabor México grew steadily, and by 2008 Garcia had opened two more locations. He also began supplying his products to local grocery stores—an early foray into the “food‑service” space that foreshadowed the national expansion that would follow.

Scaling and Innovation

A pivotal moment in Garcia’s career came in 2012 when he partnered with a venture‑capital firm to fund a chain of “Mexican‑style fast‑food” outlets. The new brand, named “La Paloma,” expanded into Denver, Phoenix, and eventually across the Southwest. The concept differentiated itself by offering a “menu‑by‑moment” system: customers could choose between classic tacos, creative fusion dishes, or a “health line” featuring quinoa bowls and plant‑based proteins.

Garcia’s commitment to innovation extended beyond the plate. He pioneered a “food‑tech” initiative that leveraged mobile ordering and real‑time inventory management. By the time the COVID‑19 pandemic hit, La Paloma’s tech infrastructure enabled a swift transition to delivery and take‑out, keeping the brand afloat and even accelerating growth.

In 2020, Garcia’s companies launched a community‑driven program called “Sabores Sustentables” (Sustainable Flavors). The program sourced 30% of ingredients from farms using regenerative agriculture, and partnered with local food banks to redistribute surplus produce. “Food should nourish both people and the planet,” Garcia told KOAT. “Sustainability isn’t an add‑on; it’s the backbone.”

Influence on the National Food Scene

Garcia’s influence extends beyond his own enterprises. In 2018, he was invited to serve as a culinary consultant for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s initiative on “Cultural Foods.” He contributed to a guide on integrating Mexican culinary techniques into school lunch programs—a step toward diversifying the American palate from a young age.

His work has also been recognized by culinary associations. The American Culinary Federation awarded him the “Culinary Innovation Award” in 2019, acknowledging his contributions to modern Mexican cuisine. In 2021, he was named one of the “Top 50 Food Entrepreneurs” by Forbes Food & Wine.

Garcia’s restaurants have also become cultural touchstones. In 2022, La Paloma hosted a series of “Cocina Con Familia” (Family Cooking) nights, where local families could learn to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of chefs from his Oaxaca‑based kitchen. The initiative fostered intergenerational connections and helped preserve culinary traditions in diaspora communities.

The Future: Expanding Horizons

Looking ahead, Garcia has ambitious plans to expand La Paloma into new markets, including the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest. He is exploring the development of a “Mexican‑Food‑Tech” incubator—a space where aspiring chefs and technologists can collaborate on the next wave of culinary innovation.

In addition, Garcia is committed to furthering the social impact of his enterprises. His latest venture, “Comida Con Corazón” (Food with Heart), is a partnership with local NGOs that provides job training for immigrants and refugees, teaching them culinary skills and food‑service management. “We’re not just building a brand,” Garcia explained, “we’re building a community.”

Conclusion

Fabian Garcia’s story is one of cultural fidelity and entrepreneurial audacity. From humble beginnings in Oaxaca to a national food‑industry influence, he has redefined how Mexican cuisine is perceived and consumed in the United States. By marrying authentic culinary traditions with modern business practices, Garcia has not only created a thriving enterprise but also nurtured a movement that celebrates heritage, embraces innovation, and champions sustainability. His work reminds us that food, at its best, is a bridge—connecting people, preserving culture, and feeding communities with purpose.