Some of the best businesses are born not just out of ambition, but out of love — and Gordas Tacos is the perfect example. Founded in November 2024, this local food truck has quickly become a favorite in Moapa Valley, offering a flavorful fusion of traditional Mexican and Native American cuisine. But the story behind the truck is just as rich as the food it serves.
The heart of Gordas Tacos is a Moapa Valley native who spent 23 years working for the school district before taking a leap of faith into the world of food. Married to her high school sweetheart, Jaime Huerta, and mom to five children — Anthony, Alex, Andrew, Adrian, and Aleesia — she blended her cultural roots (part Mexican, part Duckwater Shoshone Tribe) with her lifelong love for cooking. The result? A business that not only feeds people but brings them joy.
Gordas Tacos isn't just a solo act. It’s powered by a small, trusted team — her daughter Aleesia Heiselbetz, who manages social media, marketing, and daily operations, and Maria Gutierrez, who’s known for her exceptional customer service and cooking skills. “I feel confident to leave these two girls and know they can run the truck,” she says. That trust and teamwork are the secret ingredients behind the consistent quality and warmth Gordas Tacos is known for.
Basing the food truck in Moapa Valley was a no-brainer. “This is the town I know and love,” she shares. “It’s very special to me to be able to feed friends and family.” That connection to the community shows up in everything from the menu to the way customers are treated. “Customer service is our top priority — being friendly, asking the right questions, and making sure every meal is to the customer’s liking.”
Every dish is made from scratch with care, and the team holds themselves to a high standard when it comes to both taste and presentation. You’ll often find them at local events like the Pomegranate Festival, the Clark County Fair, and the Native American Heritage Day at the Lost City Museum — showing up with good food and good energy.
One moment that still brings a smile to her face happened at the heritage event. A Paiute Princess from Las Vegas came to the truck to try the fry bread with honey and butter. “I turned to my kids and said, ‘We better make this one good,’” she recalls. After watching the family take their first bite and turn back to the truck with big smiles and a thumbs up, she knew she was doing exactly what she was meant to do. “It gave me so much joy.”
The mission for Gordas Tacos moving forward is simple: maintain the same level of quality, love, and care — and one day pass it on to the next generation. In the meantime, you can catch them around town, bringing smiles and satisfying cravings one plate at a time.
To stay connected or book them for your next event, follow @gordastacos on Facebook and Instagram or call (702) 379-0419.
