OUR STORY

Thomas Taber was born and raised in Laredo, Texas, and his wife, Maria, was born and raised in Múzquiz, Coahuila, Mexico. Together they built their life in Fort Worth, Texas, where they raised their three children — David, Andrew, and Amberly.

In 2014, while visiting Thomas’ sister and her husband in Kalispell, Montana, an unexpected opportunity sparked a new chapter: the purchase of a food trailer. In 2018, after years in engineering with Freese and Nichols, Inc., Thomas and Maria took a leap of faith and moved their family to Montana to pursue their dream of sharing Mexican home cooking with a new community.

In August 2018, they opened Taco Loco Food Trailer in Kalispell, bringing bold, comforting, and authentic Mexican flavors to the Flathead Valley. From the very beginning, their children played an essential role in building the business — working the trailer, helping with service, learning operations, and growing alongside the company. Their energy, hard work, and commitment became part of the foundation of Taco Loco’s success.

In October 2019, the family moved operations to Bigfork, parking at Whistling Andy’s Distillery, where their food quickly became a local favorite.

In May 2023, that family passion grew into Puente Viejo Cantina — a full-service restaurant that introduced Montana to the deep, soulful flavors of Mexican home cooking. From Chile Rellenos, Flautas, and Enchiladas Rojas and Suizas to sizzling fajita plates, every dish is crafted with tradition, care, and family recipes. These flavors are paired with house-made margaritas, piña coladas, and handcrafted Mexican cocktails.

For Thomas and Maria — and now for David, Andrew, and Amberly — Puente Viejo Cantina is more than just a restaurant. It is a family-built space where food carries memories . They take great joy in seeing customers light up when a bite reminds them of home, family gatherings, or a special moment from their past. Hearing “this tastes like my abuela’s cooking” or “this reminds me of Mexico” is what truly fuels their purpose.

Today, Puente Viejo Cantina proudly serves some of the finest tequila in Montana, blending Mexican heritage with Bigfork’s community spirit — creating a place where tradition, flavor, and happiness come together at the table.

Mexican Soul. Tequila Spirit. Bigfork Heart.