Flame Taqueria West
Meet Chef Arturo Mora
Chef Arturo Mora is the founder, owner, and creative force behind Flame Group and Roots 95, where his passion for exceptional food, genuine hospitality, and community comes to life every day. His culinary journey is rooted in perseverance, hard work, and the belief that great food has the power to bring people together.
After immigrating to the United States in 1995, Chef Arturo arrived with determination, a strong work ethic, and a dream of building something meaningful. That milestone inspired the name Roots 95—a tribute to the year his American journey began and a reminder that our roots shape who we are while creating opportunities for new beginnings.
Chef Arturo spent years mastering his craft in restaurants across the Midwest, gaining experience in authentic Mexican cuisine, seafood, Italian cooking, and elevated American fare. His diverse culinary background and commitment to quality led him to launch Flame the Food Truck in 2017, introducing Des Moines to bold, scratch-made flavors with a fresh, Latin-inspired twist.
What started as a single food truck has grown into Flame Group, a family of restaurants, catering services, and food trucks serving guests throughout Iowa. Along the way, Flame the Food Truck has earned recognition from Catch Des Moines with awards including Des Best Food Truck and Des Best Birria. Chef Arturo has also been honored with the Iowa Restaurant Association's American Dream Award, recognizing his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, resilience, and contributions to Iowa's hospitality industry.
Today, Chef Arturo continues to create memorable dining experiences by blending authentic recipes with bold flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. He is passionate about supporting Iowa farmers and producers, believing that great meals begin with exceptional ingredients and strong community partnerships.
Whether welcoming guests to Roots 95, serving a neighborhood event from Flame the Food Truck, or catering life's biggest celebrations, Chef Arturo's mission remains the same—to bring people together around the table through meaningful food experiences.
His personal philosophy, "Mi Casa es Su Casa" (My Home is Your Home), is more than a saying; it's the foundation of every restaurant, every meal, and every guest experience. He believes everyone who walks through the door should feel like family, leave with a memorable meal, and know they are always welcome back.
About us
At Flame Taqueria West, we bring the bold flavors and traditions of authentic Mexican street food to our community. What began as a local food truck has grown into a neighborhood favorite - serving fresh, made-to-order tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and house-made salsas crafted with quality ingredients and family recipes. Whether you're joining us for a quick lunch, dinner with family and friends, or grabbing takeout, you'll always be welcomed with warm hospitality and food made with passion. At Flame, every meal is an invitation to gather, connect, and enjoy the flavors of Mexico. Mi casa es su casa.