Pinal County Celebrates 2 Years of Its Unique Puerto Rican Culinary Gem

Owners of Sofrito Tan Tico, Venus and Michael Franz, celebrate the two-year anniversary of their unique Puerto Rican food truck, the only one in Pinal County.

Founded by the couple, Sofrito Tan Rico emerged from their dream to own a food truck. After selling their home in 2021, the residents of The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado turned their vision into a reality just last year.

The truck operates six days a week, primarily located in the Maricopa Market parking lot along John Wayne Parkway. Michael manages customer interactions while Venus works as the chef, crafting traditional dishes.

“We have a great following,” Michael stated, noting that returning customers often feel a nostalgic connection to the food. The biggest challenge, however, lies in attracting new patrons.

“Getting people to try Puerto Rican food is the biggest uphill battle,” he explained. Yet, he remains optimistic as many customers quickly develop a taste for the cuisine once they take the plunge.

Sofrito, a flavorful sauce consisting of garlic, onion, and peppers, embodies the rich culinary tradition Puerto Ricans cherish. Reflecting this heritage, the restaurant’s name translates to “Sofritos So Rich.”

For newcomers, Michael recommends starting with the empanadas, describing them as a staple entry point. Adventurous diners might enjoy the Jibarito, a sandwich featuring skirt steak and plantains instead of bread.

The food truck operates between Casa Grande and Maricopa, with schedules available through direct contact. Michael encourages customer interaction and makes himself accessible for inquiries, sharing his phone number for convenience.

“I love getting to know our customers,” he said, emphasizing the community aspect of their venture.