PORTAGE, MI — During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaron Cantu made a bold decision. He left his job in RV sales to pursue a different path with his family. This led to the creation of Cantu’s Cocina, a food stand that has since gained a loyal following.
The business, located at 330 E. Centre Ave., has become so popular that on some days, they sell out before the day is over. The family has big dreams for the future, including opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant and selling their original recipes in stores.
“Right now, we’re a taco stand, but we want it to be something a lot greater,” said Miranda Cantu.
Cantu’s Cocina started as a temporary summer food stand, but in October 2025, the family decided to keep it open permanently under a gray canopy in the parking lot of the Sweet Convenience Party Store.
Before winter set in, Miranda Cantu researched ways to protect the space from snow and water. Inside, they have lights, heaters, storage areas, crock pots, and a cooktop to ensure operations continue smoothly.
So far, the decision has been a success, despite some weather-related challenges. Customers often travel more than an hour to try their food, thanks in part to their growing presence on TikTok and Facebook.
After TikTok creators “LetsSmashhh” posted two reviews of Cantu’s Cocina in November 2025, both receiving over 10,000 views, the stand saw a surge in customers.
“We were so busy, I actually burnt a whole batch (of tamales),” Miranda Cantu recalled.
All of their ingredients are prepared fresh daily, and the family makes their own spice blends.
“I have autoimmune issues, my kids have autoimmune issues,” Miranda Cantu explained. “For us, it’s important to just keep everything cleaner. By making everything our way, we can make sure that each ingredient, we know what is in it.”
One of their most popular items is the tamales. Due to the lengthy preparation time, they are only available at certain times. Miranda Cantu’s recipe takes 12 hours over the course of two days.
They’ve started taking pre-orders for tamales, and when they post about them being available, they sell out within an hour.
“It took me two years to get my recipe how I wanted it to be,” Miranda Cantu said.
The process is “tedious,” she added, involving steps like double boiling peppers and separating meat fats for the perfect flavor and consistency.
Another popular item is the birria ramen, which features a ramen base with meat and cheese added. Miranda Cantu cooks the ramen in the meat broth, enhancing the flavor.
Operating Cantu’s Cocina is a family affair. The Cantus have seven children, all of whom are homeschooled.
It’s the kids who encourage their parents to keep the business running, according to Miranda Cantu.
“Everything that we do, I tell them, ‘We don’t have to do this. We can be done. It’s not something that we have to keep doing if it becomes too much,’” she said.
The experience has taught their children the value of preparation and hard work.
“I’m looking forward to doing this business, probably ‘till I have my own kids,” said their 14-year-old son, Abel Cantu.
Cantu’s Cocina operates from noon to 10 p.m., according to their Google listing. Daily updates on whether they open or close early are posted on Facebook.
