About Tanini's Arepas

The Heart and Soul Behind Tanini’s Arepas: A Journey of Family, Food, and Legacy

When you visit Tanini’s Arepas, you're not just experiencing delicious, freshly made Venezuelan arepas—you're also getting a taste of a deeply personal journey that has been shaped by family, hard work, and a dream that began long before the food truck hit the streets.

Meet Jessalyn Dalbey—the woman behind the wheel of this mobile kitchen, and the heart and soul of Tanini’s Arepas. But to understand the full story of how Tanini’s came to be, we have to look back at the journey that led Jessalyn to take this bold step into entrepreneurship.

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A Name with Meaning: The Story of "Tanini"

The name "Tanini" might sound unique, but to Jessalyn, it’s a name that has always been part of her story. Growing up, her family had a special nickname for her. As a child, they called her "Bini". Then her sisters made affectionate variations of the nickname including "Nini" and "Tanini". And while her high school friends and teachers knew her as "Bini," the nickname "Tanini" would eventually be chosen as the name of her food truck—and a tribute to her roots.

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A Legacy of Hard Work and Flavor

Jessalyn's journey into the world of food started in her own kitchen, but it was her father, Andrés Eloy Himiob III, who gave her the foundation to pursue her passion. Born in Venezuela, Andrés came to America as a teenager with little more than a dream and a work ethic that was second to none. He instilled in Jessalyn a belief that anything was possible if you were willing to put in the effort. Through him, she learned how to make Venezuelan arepas, one of the most iconic dishes of her heritage. These family recipes, passed down from generation to generation, would eventually become the cornerstone of Tanini’s Arepas.

Sadly, Jessalyn’s father passed away before he could see the business she would build, but his influence remains in every dish she serves. The palm tree design featured on the food truck is a tribute to his memory—a symbol of both his Venezuelan roots and the enduring love that still guides Jessalyn’s work.

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Inspiration From Family: The Spark for a Food Truck

As with many entrepreneurial journeys, the idea for Tanini’s Arepas came at a life-changing moment. When Jessalyn and her husband, Ian Dalbey, welcomed their daughter into the world, Jessalyn felt a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. Ian was the one who suggested the idea of starting a food truck—a perfect way for Jessalyn to share her family’s food with the world while creating a business that would honor her father's legacy.

The decision to take Tanini’s Arepas on the road wasn't just about serving great food—it was about building something meaningful. Jessalyn knew that by starting her own business, she would not only be able to continue a family tradition, but also teach her daughter the importance of following one’s dreams and working hard to make them a reality.

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A Commitment to Quality, Sustainability, and Health

Tanini’s Arepas isn’t just about serving up authentic, delicious Venezuelan food. Jessalyn is deeply committed to making sure that every aspect of her business reflects the values that are important to her. For starters, she’s dedicated to sustainability—using only recycled and compostable products to serve her food.

In addition, knowing how many people in her family struggle with various health issues, Jessalyn made the decision from the start to serve only gluten-free options from her mobile kitchen. She believes that everyone should be able to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Venezuelan cuisine, no matter their dietary restrictions.

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From Montana to You

Jessalyn’s roots are firmly planted in Montana, where she was born in Bozeman and raised in Billings. Though she has lived in Florida and New Jersey, she’s always considered Montana her home. Today, she’s proud to share the flavors of Venezuela with her community, one arepa at a time.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, visiting Tanini’s Arepas means experiencing not only a delicious meal, but also the passion and hard work that Jessalyn pours into her business every single day. It’s about more than food—it’s about honoring the past, embracing the future, and creating something that will continue to bring people together for years to come.

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Come Join the Journey

When you visit Tanini’s Arepas, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re supporting a family-owned business that’s built on love, tradition, and the belief that hard work and dedication can make dreams come true.

So next time you see the food truck parked in town, stop by, grab an arepa, and share in Jessalyn’s story. It’s a journey worth tasting.