The Three Brothers: A Story of Family and Faith

BRAWLEY — For Isabelle Gonzalez and her family, resilience, faith, and community support have been the foundation of their tamale business, “The Three Brothers ”. Speaking with the Imperial Valley Press, Gonzalez recounted their journey. “We had to have a commercial kitchen and [spent] probably four months, five months knocking doors, asking other local restaurants and places that had a commercial kitchen to support us,” she said.

Despite their efforts, they couldn’t find anyone to approve theory requests. That changed when a neighbor, a member of the American Legion, approached the organization on their behalf. The Legion ended up supporting them and allowing them to use their kitchen.



Now the family operates their mobile food kitchen that serves the community Monday through Friday mornings at Vass Road and Main Street. On Friday and Saturday evenings, they set up shop in the parking lot of Grocery Outlet in Brawley, one of their biggest supporters. The menu has grown to include tacos, taquitos, elote, and more.

“Little by little, we’ve been adding to our menu,” she added. The positive reaction from the community has been overwhelming, she said. “It makes us so happy.

” A Journey of Faith The idea for the business began when Gonzalez’s son, Luis, fell ill and was placed on disability. He encouraged his mother and his brothers, Boris and Tony, to help him start making tamales to make ends meet. “I never lost hope because I am a woman of faith,” Gonzalez said, reflecting on the difficult period when her son’s condition appeared dire.

“They were just waiting for him to expire.” Gonzalez’s daughter-in law, Tanya Acosta, shared her perspective on her husband's health challenges. “That was the second time that he got sick.

The first time, we had already walked through it. The second time, I was a little stronger.” The timing was particularly difficult as it occurred during the pandemic.

Acosta was not allowed to visit him in the hospital and was pregnant with their child during his recovery. Despite the odds, Gonzalez recalled the moment that marked a turning point in her son’s health where he began to recover. She said after a prayer, they received a miracle.

”The doctor came to us and said, ‘I don’t know what you did, but keep doing it.’” A Family Business Today, the tamale business is a family affair spanning three generations. Gonzalez's granddaughter is already learning how to make tamales and has expressed interest in joining the family business when she gets older.

“It’s three generations,” Gonzalez said proudly. In addition to running the business, Gonzalez and her three sons hold full-time jobs. Giving back to the community is also central to their mission.

“If we see someone in need, or a family who is struggling, we always try to make a difference,” Gonzalez said..