Book excerpt: The Los Cabos story all started back in 1999 when we decided to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma and open a quick-service restaurant called Atomic Burrito. The chance to put your own thumbprint on a restaurant is a scary yet exciting time. We had seen other Mexican food quick-service restaurants around the country and thought they had something, but had not really done it all the way. We made a promise to ourselves that we would use only the highest quality products. We researched fajita steak and chicken marinade recipes. We took each and every recipe and made them over and over again until we felt it was the best in town. I remember making the chili con carne, one of the most important sauces, at least 15 times until we felt it was a home run. That was our dedication to quality. The guest immediately flocked in because of high quality food and reasonable prices. This concept became the foundation for what is now the most decorated Mexican restaurant in the state of Oklahoma. Chef Jimmy Blacketer did not go to culinary school to learn his skills. Although he did attend the University of Oklahoma while studying communications degree, he learned everything by rolling up his sleeves and spending hundreds of days in the kitchen. He was very blessed by the opportunity to spend time with a group of Hispanic employees that started with him day one at Atomic Burrito and still remain today as loyal employees (family!). Adela, Ernesto Gonzales, Willy Gonzales and Estella, have all made contributions to our concept. Adela is our head prep associate and has been my \Mexican food mother\ since 1999. We have both worked tirelessly developing these recipes. Enjoy.