L.A Story

Despite his grizzled look and a résumé of roles as a bloodthirsty vigilante (Bad Ass), a cartel boss (Sons of Anarchy) and a contract killer (Machete), Danny Trejo is one of the sweetest guys you could meet.

- 

But his happiness is hard-won. In and out of prison through his teens and twenties, the L.A.-born Mexican-American, 72, struggled with addiction until a 12-step program set him straight. Working as a drug counselor on the set of the 1985 film Runaway Train, he was offered a part as an extra, and the rest is history.

In March, he opened a restaurant in his hometown, and, naturally, Trejo’s Tacos was an instant hit (they’ve already opened a second location). Chef Judy Joo chatted with Danny about the inspiration behind the restaurant and his dedication to paying it forward.

How did the idea for Trejo’s Tacos begin?