What began as a revelation in Mexico City in 2017 has grown into a well-known Mexican food brand in Adelaide. Señor Mexican, founded by Dan and Mickey, started with a simple idea – a food truck inspired by the flavours they discovered on that first trip. Over the following two years, they returned to delve deeper into different regions of Mexico, each revealing its own unique flavours, depths and styles. That exploration shaped the food truck they launched in 2019, with their debut event at Adelaide Fringe’s Gluttony in 2020.
Since then, the business has grown from one food truck to two, alongside a permanent eatery at Plant 4, Bowden. Last year, Señor Mexican expanded further with the launch of its own range of salsas and spices, products developed directly from the recipes used in their food trucks and catering.
Finding the right partner
As the salsa and spice range grew, Dan and Mickey needed a packaging partner they could trust. The connection came through the Food SA trade show, where Dan met David Green from Barkuma. That introduction opened the door to a partnership that has since become an important part of how Señor Mexican brings its products to market.
Asked what Señor Mexican values most in the products and services it relies on from suppliers, Dan points to the relationship above all else.
“Transparency, trust, honesty and communication,” he says. “Quality products, but I guess that comes with the relationship.”
Barkuma’s production workers now package the spices Señor Mexican uses across its food trucks, catering and retail range. For Dan and Mickey, the partnership has taken a significant workload off their hands and given them confidence the job will be done well.
A smooth and straightforward process
Dan describes setting up the partnership as an easy process from the start.
“It just hasn’t been a hassle at all, everyone’s been great to work with,” he says. “It’s been very smooth, everyone’s been responsive, even the team when I’ve come out there to pick up stock, everyone’s been really helpful.”
That consistency and reliability is something Dan says has stood out throughout the partnership, with Barkuma able to deliver on what Señor Mexican needs, when they need it.
Looking ahead
With the salsa and spice range continuing to grow, Dan is looking forward to building on the partnership over the next twelve months.
“I hope that the spices continue to sell like they do, I hope that we can continue working together and providing work for Barkuma and also you guys helping us out a lot,” he says. Dan has no hesitation recommending Barkuma to other businesses considering a commercial partnership. “I would certainly recommend you guys for sure and tell anyone who was thinking about it to just go for it, have a chat.”
Reflecting on what the partnership means, Dan points to the impact it has on Barkuma’s production workers as much as it does on his own business. “It’s nice to know that you guys are helping us, and that we’re also giving opportunity for people to have something to show up for on the day and a job to go to”.
From a shared idea on a trip to Mexico to a growing Adelaide food brand, Señor Mexican’s story is one of building something meaningful – and its partnership with Barkuma reflects the same values of trust, quality and community that have shaped the business from the start.