Rafael Jaime is living the American dream. The founder and president of CT Cantina & Taqueria in Alpharetta is a man whose personal journey is inspiring, rooted in resilience and an unwavering passion for his vibrant cultural heritage.
Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, Rafael grew up one of 15 siblings. He was a farmer and a pig and cattle rancher, working alongside his extensive family. His earliest food education was derived outside of the kitchen, learned from the land and the people who shaped his deep respect for tradition and hard work.
In 1979, Rafael and one of his brothers immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity. Rafael landed in Chamblee, Ga., where he began working as a dishwasher at El Toro (also known as El Torero), a local Mexican restaurant. What seemed like a humble job proved to be the beginning of a truly remarkable journey.
Rafael was quickly recognized for his speed, focus and appreciation for the customer experience. His relentless work ethic earned him the nickname “La Mara” (short for maravilloso, or “the marvelous”) from coworkers and guests alike. He proved his worth again and again, succeeding in every position at the restaurant, and when El Toro opened a new location, he stepped seamlessly into a managerial role.
As word spread about Rafael’s undeniable leadership, other restaurant groups took notice. To keep him, El Toro offered to make him a partner in their newest concept, a turning point for Rafael. The partnership opened the door for Rafael to launch multiple restaurants, including a dozen locations of the popular metro Atlanta brands Las Palmas and Laredos.
As Rafael’s success grew, he never forgot where he came from. As his career flourished, he paid it forward, offering ownership opportunities to others in his orbit who, like him, had started from the bottom and worked their way up. His purposeful direction, ambition and willingness to reward others earned him a Lifetime Achievement in Business Excellence from the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Authenticity and elevated atmosphere
The same spirit Rafael brought to his early career led him to create CT Cantina & Taqueria, a concept that reflects not just Rafael’s culinary expertise but his personal story. When developers at Halcyon, a mixed-use community in Alpharetta, approached him about opening a restaurant, Rafael saw it as the perfect chance to do something different, something deeply authentic.
“At CT, our focus is authenticity through flavor, atmosphere and experience,” says Jaime. “For us, authenticity means using fresh, high-quality ingredients. From our house-made tortillas and freshly prepared salsas to our street-style tacos, everything is crafted in-house with care.”
From the start, Rafael insisted on honoring the way he grew up eating in Mexico, serving tacos simply, with fresh cilantro, onions and salsa, with tortillas and chips made from scratch daily. “I want to teach people how to eat tacos like they do in Mexico,” he explains. “Not the Tex-Mex or American version, but the kind I grew up enjoying.”
The first CT Cantina & Taqueria opened in 2019, and it quickly became one of Halcyon’s most popular destinations. Rafael has since expanded the brand to Trillith Studios in Fayetteville, Dunwoody’s Campus 244 and even to Dania Pointe, Fla., as well as launching CT Reforma Taqueria, an elevated concept in Buckhead.
“CT stands out because of our energy and elevated atmosphere,” Jaime says. “We’ve taken the flavorful essence of Mexican street food and brought it into a space that feels fun, approachable and a little unexpected. We’re not your typical taqueria—we’re a full dining experience that blends great food with style and personality.”
CT’s menu reflects Rafael’s true colors, featuring signature items like the Jalisco burrito, carne asada and street tacos. These stand beside desserts developed by Executive Chef Alfonso Gonzalez, who uses his pastry expertise to create tres leches, mango cheesecake and flan.
The bar program is just as intentional, featuring premium tequilas, fresh-pressed juices and a lineup of craft and zero-proof cocktails, including guest favorites like the watermelon basil and blood orange margaritas.
Though the food and drinks draw immense praise, Rafael is most proud of the immersive experience his restaurants offer. “Food and beverage are a meaningful part of people’s daily lives,” he reflects. “Not just for nourishment, but also for connection and experience. With so many options out there, we’re incredibly grateful when someone chooses to dine with us. It means they trust that we care about what we serve, how we serve it and the purpose behind it.”
CT is more than a business to Rafael, it’s a family legacy. All five of his children are involved in the company, overseeing everything from operations and finance to community impact and customer satisfaction.
A successful service is one where the guests leave happier than when they arrived,” Rafael says. “We love creating an experience that shares our culture and traditions.”
From the farmlands of Jalisco to the fast-paced world of hospitality, Rafael Jaime has built something rare, a restaurant group rooted in heart and home, where every taco tells a story.
Dionne Passacantando is a writer and content creator for Rocky Mountain Food Report. Her online publication and social media presence focuses on food, beverage, travel and hospitality. She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and three children.
