Phoenix, January 9, 2026
The Tamale Store in Phoenix, founded by a family dedicated to authentic culinary craftsmanship, showcases success through innovation and community support. With numerous awards, including best tamal, the store reflects the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of Phoenix while enriching the local economy. Their commitment to quality and tradition has made them a culinary landmark, delighting customers with over 15 varieties of handmade tamales and fostering wider economic growth.
Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix’s Tamale Store: A Taste of Tradition and Entrepreneurial Triumph
Discover how one family’s dedication to an authentic culinary craft transformed into a beloved Phoenix small business, earning top honors and enriching the local economy through entrepreneurial innovation and community spirit.
Phoenix continues to stand as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurial spirit, a testament to the resilience and vision of its local business owners. In this dynamic landscape, businesses that combine deep-rooted tradition with a commitment to quality often carve out a special place in the community. One such example is The Tamale Store, a Phoenix AZ business that has garnered significant acclaim, showcasing the power of personal achievement and the benefits of a supportive local economy. Their story is one of a family’s dedication, hard work, and the delicious outcome of pursuing a culinary passion.
The success of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs like the family behind The Tamale Store highlights how local businesses, driven by innovation and a dedication to craft, contribute to the broader economic growth of the region. It underscores the idea that strong communities are built not just on large enterprises, but also on the collective achievements of small businesses that thrive by meeting local demand with exceptional products and service.
A Legacy of Flavor: Phoenix’s Award-Winning Tamales
The Tamale Store has earned widespread recognition for its exceptional tamales, solidifying its place as a culinary landmark in Phoenix. The establishment was voted best tamal in La Voz Arizona’s 2025 contest, a significant local honor. This accolade is one of many, as the family-owned shop has been recognized eight times for its tamales. Further reinforcing its reputation, the Tamale Store was named among the top 25 tamales in the United States by Yelp and was listed among the top three spots on metro Phoenix’s 2024 best tamales list by local readers. The establishment has also received the “Best Tamales in Phoenix” award from Phoenix New Times and has been recognized by Phoenix Magazine as the “Best Local Product of the Month” for both its tamales and salsa. Its culinary excellence has even drawn national attention, with features on the Food Network, PBS, and Fox Business Channel, showcasing its broad appeal. Such consistent acclaim underscores the dedication to quality that drives this Phoenix small business.
From Family Kitchen to Entrepreneurial Success
The journey of The Tamale Store began with Martha Castillo, a visionary entrepreneur with a profound passion for tamales. Inspired by her upbringing in Mexico City, where cooking was a cherished family affair, Martha was determined to perfect her tamale recipes. She spent three years meticulously refining her craft, experimenting with flavors and techniques. Her initial venture involved a catering business with her ex-husband, Joe Pimienta, before she focused exclusively on tamales. The family began selling their handcrafted tamales at local farmers’ markets, including the Phoenix Public Market, around 2008, quickly gaining a devoted following.
The overwhelming demand prompted the opening of their first physical location in Phoenix around 2010 or 2011, evolving from a market stall to a dedicated shop. The business expanded to its current, larger location at 15842 N. Cave Creek Road in 2019, allowing for increased production and a more comprehensive customer experience. Martha’s children, Pauline Pimienta, Maria Stanzak, Caroline Pimienta, and Eddy Pimienta, joined the growing enterprise, many of them adjusting their personal career aspirations to support the burgeoning family business, guided by a “Family First” philosophy. This collective commitment and willingness to embrace uncertainty exemplify the resilience and dedication often seen in successful Arizona AZ entrepreneurs.
The Art of the Tamale: Craft, Quality, and Innovation
What distinguishes The Tamale Store is its unwavering commitment to authentic craftsmanship and innovative flavors. The establishment offers an impressive selection of over 15 different tamale varieties, including seasonal and dessert options. These handmade culinary creations are crafted daily, with the team producing up to 6,000 tamales per day during the busy holiday season from October to December. Patrons visiting the store in Phoenix can observe the meticulous hand-making process through a viewing window into the production kitchen, a transparent testament to their dedication to traditional methods.
The Tamale Store also caters to diverse dietary preferences, with all its tamales featuring vegan masa and being naturally gluten-free, lard-free, shortening-free, preservative-free, and soy-free. Their menu boasts a wide array of options, from traditional savory fillings like pork red chile and chicken green chile, to vegetarian choices such as Hatch green chile and jack cheese, and even unique sweet varieties. The store also sources ingredients locally, working with businesses like Valencia Produce Inc. in Phoenix. This blend of tradition and modern adaptation, along with their extensive and unique offerings, has led some to affectionately refer to it as the “Willy Wonka of tamales”. Beyond the restaurant, The Tamale Store operates a marketplace (mercado) within its premises, where customers can purchase frozen tamales and a selection of other Arizona-made products. This approach not only serves a wider customer base but also supports other local producers, contributing to broader economic growth.
Fostering Economic Growth Through Local Enterprise
The success story of The Tamale Store serves as a compelling illustration of how local businesses contribute significantly to Phoenix’s economic growth. By creating jobs and drawing customers from across the region and beyond, the store plays a vital role in invigorating the local economy. Its presence at various farmers’ markets throughout the Valley also acts as an economic driver, supporting local agriculture and offering a platform for community interaction.
Phoenix and the state of Arizona have cultivated a business-friendly environment characterized by supportive programs, competitive commercial lease rates, and streamlined regulations designed to encourage entrepreneurship. This favorable climate allows businesses like The Tamale Store to focus on innovation and growth rather than being bogged down by excessive administrative hurdles. Furthermore, Phoenix-based small business owners generally report higher rates of success and optimism compared to national averages, with many experiencing growth in the past year. The entrepreneurial innovation demonstrated by the Castillo family aligns with the state’s broader efforts to foster a robust and diverse economy, promoting job creation and sustained prosperity for its citizens. The Tamale Store’s journey reflects the powerful impact that dedicated local businesses can have, enriching the community’s culture and economic well-being.
The Tamale Store exemplifies the spirit of Phoenix, a city where entrepreneurial vision, family values, and a commitment to quality can lead to remarkable success. From Martha Castillo’s initial passion to the collective efforts of her family, this Phoenix AZ business has become a beacon of culinary excellence and a testament to the thriving Phoenix small business community. Their story highlights not only the delectable results of their craft but also the broader benefits of a local economy that champions hard work and innovative spirit.
We encourage our readers to explore and support the many local businesses that contribute to Phoenix’s vibrant economic tapestry. Engaging with Arizona AZ entrepreneurs helps foster continued economic growth and preserves the unique character of our community. Discover the rich flavors and inspiring stories that make Phoenix a truly exceptional place to live and do business.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What awards has The Tamale Store in Phoenix received?
- The Tamale Store was voted best tamal in La Voz Arizona’s 2025 contest. It has been recognized eight times for its tamales and named among the top 25 tamales in the United States by Yelp. It was also among the top three spots on metro Phoenix’s 2024 best tamales list by local readers, and received “Best Tamales in Phoenix” from Phoenix New Times and “Best Local Product of the Month” from Phoenix Magazine. The store has also been featured on national media including the Food Network, PBS, and Fox Business Channel.
- Who founded The Tamale Store and what is its history?
- The Tamale Store was founded by Martha Castillo, who perfected her tamale recipes over three years, inspired by her upbringing in Mexico City. The business began as a catering service and started selling tamales at Phoenix Public Market’s farmers’ market around 2008. Their first physical location opened in Phoenix around 2010 or 2011, and they expanded to their current larger store at 15842 N. Cave Creek Road in 2019. Martha’s children have since joined the family-owned and operated business.
- What makes The Tamale Store’s tamales unique?
- The Tamale Store offers over 15 varieties of tamales, including seasonal and dessert options. All tamales are handmade, with the store producing up to 6,000 daily during peak season. Their tamales feature vegan masa and are gluten-free, lard-free, shortening-free, preservative-free, and soy-free. They blend traditional and unique flavors and use locally sourced ingredients.
Key Features of The Tamale Store
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Award: Best Tamal | Voted best tamal in La Voz Arizona’s 2025 contest. | Local |
| Business Type | Family-owned and operated small business. | Local |
| Founders | Martha Castillo and her family. | Local |
| Opening Year (Farmers Market) | Began selling at farmers’ markets around 2008. | Local |
| Opening Year (Physical Store) | First physical location opened around 2010 or 2011. Current location opened in 2019. | Local |
| Product Variety | Offers over 15 different tamale varieties, including savory, vegetarian, vegan, seasonal, and dessert options. | Local |
| Production Volume | Makes up to 6,000 tamales by hand daily during peak season. | Local |
| Dietary Accommodations | Tamales feature vegan masa; are gluten-free, lard-free, shortening-free, preservative-free, and soy-free. | Local |
| National Recognition | Named among the top 25 tamales in the United States by Yelp. Featured on Food Network, PBS, and Fox Business Channel. | Nationwide |
| Local Sourcing | Sources ingredients locally, e.g., from Valencia Produce Inc. in Phoenix. | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
