Upon arriving at La Tinga Restaurant, it’s abundantly clear this restaurant is not like any other here in Bozeman, Montana. Gorgeous custom designed arches frame the exterior, a tribute to the architecture of Mexico City. Meanwhile, the interior is clean and inviting. Sitting on the corner of Baxter and Caballo Street, this L-shaped treasure is loved by locals, and has established itself as the best authentic Mexican food for miles. Behind it all is the hard work of Alba and Curt Jeffries, who have spent their lives pursuing their dreams.
For as long as he can remember, Butte born Curt dreamed of selling tacos. A dream that began to take shape after meeting Alba in El Paso, Texas. At the time, Curt was in school for social work while Alba worked as an accountant, neither of them spending much time in the kitchen. Fondly, he recalls the day he came home, and was met with a delectable aroma.
“It’s Tinga” Alba told him. One bite and he knew, La Tinga was the way to his dreams. Although Alba was uncertain about a move, they eventually figured it out, together.
“I’ll go North, South, or West, but I won’t go any more East than Big Timber, Montana.” He told her, and together they decided on Bozeman, Curts original plan.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing from there. Alba and Curt had their struggles. Initially, they sold breakfast burritos out of their car in Belgrade, forming a loyal fanbase at construction sites in the area. From here, they worked their way up to the hockey arena, selling during games. Although they didn’t make a stitch of money, the couple credits this experience as a learning one.
Eventually, Alba told Curt of her dreams, moving La Tinga to downtown Bozeman. Although he was hesitant at first, they found a way to make it work. Selling out of the old Armory for nine months. During this time, Alba and Curt recognize the pivotal role Alba’s mother, Choo Choo, played in the start of La Tinga. While still working full time jobs, they relied on her heavily for the day to day operations. Including preparing the food at nearby Frank's Sandwich Shop and transporting it to sell on site. With her help, and their hard work, business only grew from there.
On their first day open, in a small space with limited seating, Curt wasn’t sure what to expect, but people came and they ate. “It was 3 long tables and that was it. Such a diverse group of people came in and ate lunch together.” Curt remembered.
Making $39 that day, Curt knew if they kept this pace, Alba could quit her job and together they could focus on the growth of La Tinga. And they did just that.
After the Armory, La Tinga moved shop to 12 East Main, sharing a space with Moo Casa Ice Cream. There was one condition: they could sell their food, but they had to sell the Moo Casa ice cream for one year. An obligation the Jeffries were more than happy to fulfill. At this time, they were still using Frank's Shop, now for an ever growing market, at only 3 hours per day. Something they continued to do for 9 more years. So when Alba told Curt that it was time for their own kitchen, he agreed. Thus, as Curt called it, their ‘field of dreams’ was bought and La Tinga built, all designed by Alba herself.
“Build it and they will come,” Curt remembers with a laugh, quoting the movie. Which turned out to be true. La Tinga has devoted customers, proven time and time again as they come back for more. Including some of the originals from their breakfast burrito days.
Alba and Curt credit local loyalty to their staff, expressing gratitude at the hardworking professionals they’ve had the pleasure of employing over the years. Teaming up with local non-profits, they often hire individuals in need of employment, resulting in lifelong friends. “These kids, they become like family to us,” Alba says, as they stick around after hours.
Nowadays, Curt finds himself half retired, and although Alba talks about slowing down, she isn’t sure when that day will come. “I just love my job and love to be here,” Alba says with a smile, and Curt agrees, who greet all of their regulars by their first names.
“Yes, we do love it. I really want to emphasize how fortunate we feel to have a successful business in Bozeman,” He began. “I had this dream, but Alba put it all together for me. She made it come to life.” Curt stated, glancing around the wonderful interior of La Tinga.
“I just love my job and love to be here.”