6.20.23
Mike Rypka, Named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year
Torchy’s Tacos Founder and CEO, Mike Rypka, Named Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in Gulf South Division
Torchy’s Tacos is thrilled to announce that its founder, Mike Rypka, has been honored with the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Gulf South division. This esteemed recognition celebrates Rypka’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to building Torchy’s Tacos into a culinary phenomenon.
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award program recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who have demonstrated extraordinary success in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. With rigorous evaluation criteria and an independent judging panel, the program has become one of the world’s most prestigious business awards.
Mike Rypka, a true visionary and culinary pioneer, has revolutionized the taco industry with Torchy’s Tacos. What started as a single food trailer in Austin, Texas, has blossomed into a flourishing enterprise with locations across multiple states. Rypka’s unwavering commitment to creating exceptional food experiences, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, has been instrumental in the brand’s success.
Upon receiving the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award, Mike Rypka expressed his excitement and gratitude, stating, “I am incredibly honored and humbled to be recognized by Ernst & Young with this prestigious award. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Torchy’s Tacos team. We started with a simple mission to make damn good tacos, and this award further validates our commitment to excellence. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together and excited about the future as we continue to grow and innovate.”
Each year, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year program honors outstanding entrepreneurs from various regions across the globe. Winners are selected through a multi-step evaluation process that assesses their leadership, financial performance, strategic direction, innovation, and societal impact. Regional award winners are then eligible for consideration for the national and global finals, which will be held later this year.
Torchy’s Tacos extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mike Rypka for this well-deserved recognition as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in the Gulf South division. Rypka’s entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and passion for creating exceptional culinary experiences have truly made Torchy’s Tacos an iconic brand.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Marisa Patterson
Communications Manager, Torchy’s Tacos
Email: marisa.patterson@torchystacos.com
About Torchy’s Tacos:
The Torchy’s Tacos story began 16 years ago in Austin, Texas, when a man with a dream bought a food trailer and a vibrant red Vespa. Mike Rypka, founder of Torchy’s Tacos, built a menu out of experimental tacos that were coined by fans as “damn good.” Today, Torchy’s Tacos has over 100 locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, North Carolina, Arizona, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia that are committed to serving only the highest quality ingredients. By living the Damn Good mantra, Torchy’s Tacos is always innovating to deliver the most unique tacos, coveted queso and refreshing margaritas in the taco game, including the Taco of the Month, an untraditional taco offering that keeps taco junkies coming back for more. Visit www.torchystacos.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram for more information on Torchy’s Tacos.
About Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year:
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The program recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who have demonstrated excellence and extraordinary success in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.