In this episode of The Localist, Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Jesús “Chuy” Méndez, one of the forces behind Salud Taqueria, Adiõs Bar, and a growing list of standout spots in Birmingham’s food and drink scene. Chuy shares how his people-first mindset transformed him from a curious bartender into a multi-concept business owner, building restaurants that reflect both his Mexican roots and his deep love for the Birmingham community. Whether he’s talking about launching Unos Tacos during the pandemic, or explaining why national brands often miss the mark in Birmingham, Chuy makes one thing clear: relationships are the foundation of everything he does.
Throughout the conversation, Chuy breaks down what makes a strong business team, how he builds meaningful partnerships, and why thoughtful design rooted in personal story can elevate a guest experience. He opens up about learning from failure, the emotional side of letting go, and how mentorship and collaboration have shaped his success. With a new project called El Tigre on the horizon, Chuy’s not slowing down — he’s creating a blueprint for what local entrepreneurship can look like when it’s built on heart, hustle, and community.
Mentioned in this episode:
Salud Taqueria / Instagram
Adiõs Cocktail Bar / Instagram
The Louis Bar / Instagram
Unos Tacos / Instagram
The Pizitz Food Hall
Honest Coffee
Birmingham Business Journal
Food and Wine Magazine
James Beard Award
The Ono Poke
Silver Kati
Chez Fonfon
Highlands Bar & Grill
Bottega
Taco Mama
Margarita Grill
Cocina Superior
Church Street Coffee & Books
Infomedia
Ohm Jiu Jitsu
El Tigre
Follow Chuy on Instagram