Meet Priscilla Umbreit (Caballero) | restaurant owner, wife, and mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Priscilla Umbreit (Caballero) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Priscilla, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My sense of balance has changed a lot over the years, and it’s shifted right along with my priorities. When I first started in the business, I was still in school and had endless energy. I worked every shift I could, constantly chasing new opportunities to grow and learn. Once I finished school and became more comfortable in my role, I settled into a rhythm and coasted for a while.

But everything changed when I became a mom. Suddenly, coasting wasn’t enough. I wanted a business that didn’t just survive but thrived, and I wanted to be truly present for my family at the same time. That pushed me to rethink everything about how I managed the restaurant. I started building systems that kept operations consistent, improved communication, and allowed me to step away without worry.

Now, balance looks completely different. It’s about trusting the structure I’ve built, having the right people in place, and knowing the restaurant can run well even when I’m not there. It’s been a big mindset shift, going from doing it all myself to creating something sustainable.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Los Tarascos is a locally owned and operated Mexican restaurant that has been serving Fort Collins since 1995. My parents immigrated from Mexico with little more than determination and a dream. They started the restaurant in a small space next door to where we are now, with just the basics and their shared passion for food and hospitality.

My mother grew up on a small family farm where everything came from the land. She learned to cook with what she had and to make everything from scratch. My father brought restaurant experience and a deep love for sharing good food with others. Together, they built Los Tarascos from the ground up. The restaurant quickly gained a following for its homemade corn tortillas, fresh salsa bar, and the kind of comforting, homecooked dishes you can taste the love in.

I literally grew up in the restaurant. As a kid, I loved helping my mom and aunt in the kitchen and learning to make tortillas by hand. As I got older, I moved to the front of the house and started learning management and administrative work from my dad. When my parents retired, it only felt natural for me to take over and continue what they started.

It has not been easy, especially after the pandemic, but we have stayed strong by focusing on what matters most: consistency, resilience, and community. There are always challenges, but I have learned that there is always a solution, and when there is not, you have to move forward and keep going.

What I am most proud of is that our restaurant still feels like home. The food has soul, the people behind it are real, and every dish tells a story. I want people to know that when they come to Los Tarascos, they are not just supporting a business. They are becoming part of a family legacy built on love, hard work, and tradition.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting, I would definitely start by taking them to Horsetooth Reservoir for a day of paddleboarding and relaxing by the water. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Fort Collins and the perfect way to slow down and soak up some nature.

We would spend some time downtown exploring the local shops and then stop by Walrus Ice Cream for a treat. Of course, I would take them to my restaurant, Los Tarascos, to show them the beautiful murals on our building and take a few photos. We’d sit on the patio, enjoy a margarita, and dig into some birria tacos.

I’d also take them to a few of our amazing local breweries, there are so many great ones to choose from here. For other meals, I’d bring them to Young’s Café, one of my longtime favorites, and to our sister restaurant, La Buena Vida, where we’d sit on their gorgeous patio and order margaritas and chile rellenos. For lunch, we’d have to stop at Hunan, which has some of the best Chinese food in town.

Fort Collins is such a beautiful and welcoming city. You can ride bikes, explore scenic paths, or just drive around and find something new every day. It’s got this great mix of local charm, great food, and natural beauty, there’s really something for everyone here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my parents, who built Los Tarascos from the ground up and showed me what real dedication looks like. They taught me that hard work, consistency, and heart are the foundation of any lasting success. Everything I do today is built on the example they set.

My husband deserves just as much credit. He’s my biggest supporter, my voice of reason, and the one who keeps me grounded when things get overwhelming. He reminds me to stay focused on our bigger vision, even during the tough seasons.

And of course, I have to thank our community. Fort Collins has supported our family’s restaurant for over 30 years, and that loyalty means everything to us. Our customers have become like family, and their support continues to inspire me to keep improving, growing, and giving back.

Website: https://lostarascos.com

Instagram: lostarascosco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-caballero-a694a5228/

Facebook: LosTarascosFoCo

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/los-tarascos-fort-collins?osq=Mexican