When Good Deeds are Reciprocated
People doing good and seeing it rewarded makes me happy
If it was just for bringing a new and exciting restaurant to East Austin (an area that historically has been a food desert,) Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi, would be admired. And if it were just for that and having really good food, then it would be a story worth commenting on. But, their story goes beyond this in a modern-day tale of resilience and unity. Far, far beyond.
Back in 2019, Edgar and Sara opened Nixta Taqueria, but the pandemic struck and their story became (as you’d expect) more complex. First there was the Austin Free Fridge Program, of which Nixta Taqueria was its inaugural location. The couple, fueled by a desire to nourish the needy in the neighborhood, tirelessly maintained, cleaned and restocked the community fridge, providing everything from wholesome meals to essential 'hydration packs' during scorching heatwaves. It is, by quite some measure, the most highly trafficked community fridge in Austin and it occasionally needs some major love.
Then this summer, their story became even more complicated, an electrical issue forced the temporary closure of the taqueria. Edgar and Sara turned to the community for support and in just two days the community reciprocated with their campaign surpassing a goal of $80,000 easily.
"It's the best feeling in the world when you can tell that people have your back,"
Indeed.
The outpouring of support has surpassed $118,000, but this little story is about more than just a monetary goal. The overwhelming response shows that help and compassion are not and should not be considered rare or weak in communities but essential, basic and profound elements.