How Tacos & Tattoos Became Kendall's Favorite Hangout | Jay Cruz

There's nothing quite like Tacos & Tattoos in Miami — and in this episode, chef and founder Jay Cruz breaks down exactly how that concept was built, tested, and refined over the years. He talks about why so many chefs have tattoos, how the restaurant's identity evolved, and what makes the T&T experience unlike anywhere else in the city.

He also gets into running events, controlling crowds, the future of Kendall's food scene, Casa Cruz, social media strategy, and balancing the restaurant with family life. Plus his top 3 Miami picks.

If you love Miami's food culture, this one's for you.

Manny Alfonso:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyalfonso8/

Kiko Suarez:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/querikoconkiko/

Eduardo Moya:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_moya/

Follow Us! - A Day in Miami:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adayinmiami/

Listen on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/20WEys6jxiliBCLoo9iSID
________________________
Produced by: Ben Schwede
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benthecreatorrr/

0:00 Intro
1:21 Tattoos
1:56 Why Most Chefs Get Tattoos
2:47 Jay’s Beginnings
6:07 Opening the Restaurant
9:10 Competition with Almost the Same Name
10:26 Unsuccessful Partnerships and Scaling Down
11:57 T&T Evolution
13:48 COVID Times
17:07 Favorite Cocktails
18:26 Experience at Tacos & Tattoos
20:07 Events
22:45 Future of Kendall
25:28 Social Media
26:37 Favorite and Upcoming Events
29:53 Balancing a Restaurant and Family Time
33:58 Future of Tacos & Tattoos
35:31 Casa Cruz
39:43 Controlling the Crowd During Events
43:05 Top 3 Restaurants
45:54 Where to Find Tacos & Tattoos
46:20 Outro