Page 28 August 2014 By Katie Mayer If a hamburger is America’s staple sandwich, the taco just might be the Mexican equivalent. Both have tasty meat and crispy vegetables encased in an easy-to- hold starchy exterior. They’re popular, affordable and delicious – so why not serve them together? The Stand Burgers & Tacos is a casual restaurant in Arcadia near Indian School Road and 36th Street. Here guests enjoy the American classic and a unique twist on the Mexican favorite. The meals can even be paired with sides called “stand- ins” such as Mexican street corn and hand-cut french fries. And if that isn’t mouthwatering enough, guests can wash it all down with a fresh-squeezed lemonade fancied up with fresh fruit puree, or a variety of milkshakes, including exotic flavors like Dulce de leche or chocolate chili. The restaurant also serves up Mexican Coke in bottles, as well as regular soda fountain beverages. The motto here is “Hecho in Arcadia” or “Made in Arcadia,” which reflects the tradition of preparing food locally and made to order. Owner and founder Eva Hofstedt, whose mother is of Mexican heritage and whose father is Russian Jewish, wanted to blend her culture into her unique, but simple menu. “I wanted to do something pretty authentic Mexican, but very American. So it just kind of came out of that,” Hofstedt said. “I wanted to come up with something that could appeal to just about anybody.” Keeping the prices affordable was another priority. For under $3 customers can choose from a selection of tacos, including a warm corn tortilla filled with braised short rib, pickled red cabbage, Cotija Queso Fresco, diced onion and fresh cilantro. A double burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle and Stand sauce costs $4.95. The eatery also has a drive- through. “Not everybody has the discretionary income to go out and drop 55 bucks on a meal for their family of four,” Hofstedt said. “I thought to myself, ‘I want to do something in this price point that is really fresh.” The idea is clearly working, as The Stand Burgers and Tacos has been open since Jan. 28, 2012 and is staying so busy that Hofstedt is working on plans to expand. She is not ready to announce details yet. Customer Lauren Miller, of Mesa, recently dined on a short rib taco at The Stand and called it delicious. “It has a bunch of flavor,” Miller said. “Nothing here is bland.” Elliot Fuller, 35, of Tolleson called the restaurant “one of the best burger joints in town” for its fresh food, friendly staff and tasty burgers. “It’s a cool atmosphere and I think it’s got some staying power,” Fuller added. Hofstedt, who lives in Arcadia and is mom to 13-year-old Harrison and 9-year- old Olivia, often works 12-18 hours per day ensuring the food is fresh and tasty, while overseeing her team of 32 employees. The busy mom and business owner comes from a restaurant-owner family. Her grandmother, Olivia Garcia, whose home-cooked Mexican food was popular with neighbors, started a little valley food stand along with Hofstedt’s grandfather, Julio Garcia. Hofstedt’s parents, Richard and Maria Lipson expanded the restaurant nationally into the well-known chain called Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant. Hofstedt named her restaurant The Stand in honor of her grandmother’s original little food stand. “My whole venture is a tribute to my grandmother,” Hofstedt said. “Everything I’ve learned about how to put flavor profiles together has come from my mother and her.” “Everything that’s interesting about my dishes is because of how I experienced my own food and my own home life.” Hofstedt said she has learned a lot through her upbringing, but that she conceived, developed and financed her business completely on her own. “When I decided to do my own project, I took all of the information I’ve learned over the years – and saw why sometimes it was successful and why it wasn’t successful – and I just sort of applied what it was that was already available to me,” Hofstedt said. The restaurant’s location, which was formerly occupied by Maui Dogs, was the right price and although it was less than 1,300 square feet, including the covered patio area, Hofstedt said she knew it would be a great fit for her simple, but high quality menu. She added a fresh coat of paint, furnished the eatery with wooden tables and aluminum chairs along with some booths and hired a team of young and energetic staff members. She has since evolved her menu and made small changes to accommodate the needs and desires of customers. For example, the restaurant offers every item on the menu in a gluten-free option. Hofstedt said she is grateful for her customers’ feedback and will continue to evolve and innovate. “I just really want to say thank you to my customers for sticking with me and giving me a chance,” Hofstedt said. “Hopefully I will continue to earn the business of people in Arcadia because I truly love this area.” For more information on The Stand Burgers & Tacos, visit: thestandbnt.com. Community raves about burgers and tacos at The Stand The Stand 3538 E. Indian School Road thestandbnt.com 602-314-5259 Eva Hofstedt was inspired by her own heritage to created The Stand Burger & Tacos.

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