Unicos Taco Catering / Manuel -- Extremely Disappointing Experience…read moreI contracted with Unicos Taco Catering, specifically Manuel, to provide a Taco Tuesday lunch for approximately 60 nurses on the final day of Nurses Week 2026. This was meant to be a special celebration for hardworking hospital nurses, and unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing and stressful.
Before booking, I had a detailed 20-30 minute conversation with Manuel. I clearly explained that this event was taking place inside a hospital and that no cooking would be allowed on-site. I told him the food would likely be served in a patient room or break room area, and the only thing that could be done on-site was warming tortillas on an electric griddle. I also explained that because the nurses would be on duty, they would be coming in and out over a two-hour serving window, so keeping the food warm was very important. Manuel assured me multiple times that this would not be a problem. He stated that everything could be prepared at his location, transported to us, and kept warm in chafing dishes.
Based on those assurances, I felt comfortable signing the contract and sending a $200 deposit.
On the day of the event, Manuel's worker arrived at 12:07 p.m. for a 1:00 p.m. service time with a large outdoor propane grill and raw meat. I immediately explained again that this was a hospital and there was absolutely no way they could cook on the premises. The worker called Manuel, and Manuel acknowledged that this was not what we had agreed upon. He then said he would cook the food elsewhere and still get it to us by 1:00 p.m.
Shortly after that, the worker began asking whether we had a loading dock, driveway, or outside plaza area where he could cook the meat. I repeatedly told him no and reminded him that this was not what I contracted them to do. After speaking with Manuel again, the worker told me, "I'm sorry. We can't do it."
At that point, I had 60 nurses expecting lunch in less than an hour. I was forced to scramble and order pizza at the last minute. The worker attempted to leave, but I requested my $200 deposit back first. After waiting, I sent Manuel a Venmo request for the refund. I later learned that he only refunded $100 of my $200 deposit.
During the worker's departure, he indicated that Manuel knew the plan was to find somewhere on-site to cook the meat, despite Manuel previously assuring me that the food would be prepared off-site. That made the situation even more frustrating.
Since the taco lunch could not be provided, I asked whether we could at least keep the chips and guacamole that were supposed to come with the package. The worker apologized and also left rice, beans, onions, cilantro, and salsa. However, we were missing the two main items needed for a taco lunch: the meat and tortillas. I did not request to purchase rice and beans for $100, and had I been asked, I would have declined.
When I later contacted Manuel about the remaining $100, he stated that he was keeping it for the rice and beans. I explained that I did not agree to that, especially since he was the one who failed to fulfill the contract. He told me he would send the remaining $100, but he never did. He then repeatedly hung up on me and ultimately blocked my calls.
This was one of the worst customer service experiences I have ever had. Manuel failed to provide the service we agreed upon, created unnecessary stress on what was supposed to be a celebration for nurses, and then refused to fully refund my deposit. At the very least, he should have refunded the full deposit or written off the small side items that were left behind, since the contracted taco service was never provided.
I would not recommend Unicos Taco Catering. This company was unreliable, unprofessional, and failed to honor the agreement we made. I am sharing this review so others are aware before booking an event with them. They ruin our Nurse's Week Celebration!
