A family-run food truck that started south of Maricopa with tacos, burritos and other Mexican dishes now has a home at Central Arizona College.

Eddie Ruiz said he brought Taqueria La Guadalupana, or TLG for short, to Maricopa as a third installment of his mother’s taco business she started in 2011 to “follow in her footsteps.”

TLG already operates trucks in Stanfield and Casa Grande, but Ruiz said he saw an opportunity to bring the truck to Maricopa’s growing food scene.

“I felt like people needed to try something good,” he said.

While the menu for the original truck was simple and straightforward, Ruiz said he wanted to add a few more items, like tortas (sandwiches served on bolillo rolls) and carne asada fries.

His favorite addition? The Cali burrito, which comes filled with meat, cheese, sour cream and fries.

“We make the fries pretty crispy, so when you actually bite into it, it’s not soggy. People are loving that,” Ruiz said.

This reporter sampled the sope al pastor, a thick masa cake topped with cheese, al pastor meat and crispy lettuce, served with a side of grilled onions and a jalapeño. It was crispy, juicy and savory with a hint of sweetness from the onions.

Ruiz said he hopes the food truck’s presence is only the beginning.

“Hopefully we can open an actual real spot soon,” he said.