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Nash Escalada

Tachiqui

Bringing Authentic Argentine Flavour to Durham Region

Tachiqui is on a mission to make authentic Argentine convenience food accessible to everyone, without compromising on quality.

At the heart of the business is the empanada, a globally recognized comfort food found in various forms across cultures. While traditionally a quick, everyday meal in Argentina, empanadas in Canada are often treated as a specialty item. Nash is changing that.

Through Tachiqui, customers can enjoy handcrafted empanadas made using proprietary dough and filling processes that go from frozen to ready-to-eat in about 12 minutes, all while maintaining the quality of a homemade meal.

A Personal Story Rooted in Family and Culture

Nash’s inspiration comes from a deeply personal place. Growing up as a first-generation Canadian, his strongest connection to Argentina was through his abuela’s cooking. After every meal, he would tell her that one day he would open a restaurant and share her food with others.

That vision stayed with him for years. In 2022, Nash stepped away from his design consulting career and spent five months travelling throughout Argentina. That experience became the turning point. When he returned to Canada, he began building what is now Tachiqui.

Why BACD and the Impact of Their Support

Nash joined the Starter Company Plus program (funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade) with a clear goal: to grow his business strategically while strengthening the areas he felt less prepared for.

Through the program, he gained the structure and accountability needed to step back and assess his business holistically—past decisions, current performance, and future direction.

Working with BACD helped Nash translate ideas into action.

  • Redesigned his packaging to be retail-ready and visually compelling
  • Used financial projections to secure funding and invest in equipment
  • Prioritized key areas of the business that might have been overlooked
  • Built consistency in content creation, leading to increased sales and visibility

He also credits the program with helping him think more strategically and intentionally about growth.

Growth and Momentum

Tachiqui continues to build strong traction.

  • Secured five new wholesale clients since January
  • Expanded brand awareness through growing social media presence
  • Converted followers into loyal customers
  • Strengthened partnerships with local businesses and stakeholders

Marketing That Works for Tachiqui

Nash focused on consistency and connection.

  • Developed a clear content strategy on Instagram and TikTok
  • Actively networked with local businesses and organizations
  • Engaged with stakeholders to support new initiatives

This combination of digital presence and in-person relationships has driven both awareness and sales.

A Standout Achievement

One of Nash’s biggest accomplishments so far is launching Aftermarket, Oshawa’s first night market, running from May to September.

This initiative reflects his commitment to community-building and creating new opportunities for local businesses.

For Nash, success comes down to discipline, relationships, and quality.

  • Building a strong network and meaningful partnerships
  • Staying organized with daily task planning and a “to-do, doing, done” system
  • Relentlessly focusing on making empanadas his abuela would be proud of

Like many entrepreneurs, Nash has faced challenges balancing business demands.

He recognized that heavy focus on production can sometimes come at the expense of networking and communication. This awareness has helped him adjust and continue growing as a business owner.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

Take risks. Stop worrying about what others think.

Focus on building strong relationships, stay grounded in your values, and don’t compromise your vision to please others. Most people aren’t watching as closely as you think—they’re focused on their own journey.