where it all began

The FINO story begins in 2016, when Nick Patel, founder and CEO of L.A. Tan and the Taco Maya chains, was approached by a family owned distillery located in Jalisco, Mexico. Having heard of Nick's many successes in the business realm, the family wanted to partner with Nick to introduce their house tequila to the American market. From founding Midwest's largest tanning salon chain, to opening up fast-casual style Mexican restaurants around the Chicago-land area, as well as other successful endeavors, Nick's expertise and experience in the business domain is invaluable and sought after quite frequently by budding entrepreneurs and startups.

When Nick met the family in Mexico that had talent distilling tequila for several generations, he saw an opportunity to lend a hand in creating an innovative brand within the growing liquor industry. Patel introduced the family to best friends Jana and Sonali and inspired them to tap into spirits and run a completely women-owned tequila company; the idea of FINO Tequila was born.