Husband and wife duo Dezirae and Armando “Mando” Ortega are officially fired up and ready for business.

The couple recently celebrated the grand opening of their new food truck, Forged by Fire Smash Burgers on Saturday, Dec. 13.

“We wanted to be prepared so we started with a soft opening first,” Dezirae said. “We played it safe as we didn’t want to sacrifice any food or product. We were so happy to see that the grand opening went off without a hitch!”

The couple’s blended family includes their children, Alex, 16, Ava, 14, Addy, 12, Genesis, 10 and Hezekiah, 8. All hands were on deck for the grand opening, helping out and pitching in with food and drink prep.

“They helped us with everything we couldn’t do and it was so beneficial,” Mando said. “It was also so great to see the community so excited. We were also very excited seeing that everything we served was forged fresh on the spot.”

Forged by Fire is parked across from Frank’s Eats and Sweets at 28 Lower Embargo Road near Highway 522, easily visible just off the main road.

While food trucks are often associated with fast food, the Ortegas’ said their approach is different.

“When people see a food cart or trailer, they think ‘fast food’,” Mando said with a laugh. “With our operation, everything we’re cooking and preparing is freshly made when it’s ordered so it’s important to note that we’re not fast food, but we are fresh food, specifically our Smash Burgers.”

The menu features smash burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, fries, and smash tacos, all made fresh to order. Their house smash sauce is a signature item, made from scratch from a blend of spices, seasonings creating what the family calls, a “hidden secret.”

The truck also serves fresh-squeezed lemonades made to order. Each order starts with sliced lemons or limes squeezed into a 32-ounce jug, with flavors including cherry, mango and seven other options, along with a traditional lemonade.

“You may have to wait a minute for your food,” Mando said, “but it will be fresh..”

The business also continues to operate a kettle corn venture, which remains an important part of the family’s vision.
“Our kids love making and selling kettle corn,” Dezirae said. “The kids are young right now, the business is young, and we don’t want to lose that part of our business and God-willing, the kids will be able to take over it one day to make money of their own.”

The couple said the experience is teaching their children work ethic and responsibility, with the parents supporting them along the way.

Mando Ortega retired from Kit Carson Cooperative to focus on running Forged by Fire full-time while Dezirae Ortega continues to work for the Town of Red River and contribute to the business on a part-time basis.

During the winter months, the truck will operate three days a week — Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays — from 11 a.m. until the food runs out, usually between 2:30 and 3 p.m. Summer plans include full-time weekday service and traveling to events throughout northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.

Orders are currently taken directly at the truck to ensure freshness.

The idea for Forged by Fire has been years in the making, inspired by the Ortegas’ love of cooking together at home. “We connect well in the kitchen,” Dezirae Ortega said. “We enjoy trying new recipes, and the kids love cooking, too, so this is a great way for us to do it as a family.” The venture allows the family to work side by side while staying connected to the community through local events, festivals and concerts, strengthening both their family bond and their ties to the community they serve.

“We’re at a point where we’re still young enough to work super hard, so we decided to jump all the way in to pursue our dream,” Mando said.

The couple emphasized the importance of serving quality food at affordable prices to the community.
Faith has also guided the vision behind Forged by Fire.

The family chose Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” — as a reflection of their approach to the business. The Ortega’s said they have committed the food truck to God, choosing patience and trust in the process while believing the outcome of the venture is in His hands.

For the Ortega’s, Forged by Fire represents more than a food truck — it is a family effort rooted in faith, hard work and a desire to serve their community, one fresh-made meal at a time.

To stay updated on the business hours, times and location of operation, visit their Facebook/ Forged by Fire Smash Burger.