Brushfire Beginnings By The Founder Clint Berkey

Brushfire Tacos y Tapas opened its doors on June 2013, located at 83rd Avenue and West Thunderbird Road in Peoria, Arizona. But the story of Brushfire began long before that, rooted in faith, mission work, and a deep love for Latin America. Hear from our founder Clint Berkey:

The name "Brushfire" originated from a missionary foundation, Brushfire World Evangelism, which I established in 1984 in Honduras, Central America. The foundation reflected my passion for the people and culture of Latin America—a passion that naturally extended to its flavorful cuisine.

After dedicating 14 years to missionary work, I returned to the Pacific Northwest, where God opened doors for me in business. As an insurance agent, I experienced tremendous growth, which eventually expanded into a national investment brokerage career. After 14 more years of success, I felt called to create a business that could give back to the community and further serve the work of the Lord.

While searching for property in the Western Phoenix Valley for my son’s coffee business, I purchased a larger parcel than we needed. This unexpected opportunity led to prayers for direction, during which the idea of a small Mexican drive-thru restaurant came to mind. Though hesitant at first, I embraced the vision, trusting that God was leading the way.

The name “Brushfire” returned when my daughter, Hope, suggested that if this new venture could be seen as a continuation of the original ministry, it should bear the same name. And so, Brushfire Tacos y Tapas was born—rooted in faith and inspired by a legacy of service.

From the beginning, we prioritized two guiding principles:

  1. Exceptional Food: Every dish was crafted to ensure bold, fresh flavors that reflect the vibrant heritage of Mexican cuisine.

  2. Warm Hospitality: We committed to creating a dining experience where every guest feels valued, greeted with kindness, and leaves with a brighter day.

Brushfire Tacos y Tapas isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a place where faith, food, and community come together to create something meaningful and memorable.

*(Curious about more of Clint’s journey? Discover the full story in his book, “My Journey and the Faithfulness of God.”)

  • Clint Berkey

    OWNER

    Clint, owner of Brushfire and a financial investor, has dedicated much of his life to missions work, blending business success with giving back. Brushfire Tacos y Tapas aims to bring something fresh to the Desert Southwest. “Our food, inspired by top chefs, delivers bold flavors with a personal touch to brighten your day. It’s more than great food—it’s an experience that leaves you smiling.”

  • Hope Berkey Bustos

    PRESIDENT

    As President, Hope oversees Brushfire Tacos y Tapas operations, including administration, accounting, and HR. A Business Administration graduate from the University of Phoenix, she previously worked as a licensed insurance and financial agent alongside her father, Clint Berkey (Founder). Hope relocated to Phoenix in 2014 to help launch Brushfire and manage other family ventures. She drives the development of business systems and collaborates on future Brushfire locations and investments, tackling challenges with positivity and persistence

  • Sione Saenz

    DIRECTOR OF RESTAURANTS

    Sione is the heart and soul of Brushfire, beloved by regulars for his welcoming presence. A key team member since the restaurant's inception, he brings unmatched expertise in recipes, kitchen procedures, and product preparation. Talented, bilingual, and endlessly hardworking, Sione is respected by his team and trusted by the Founder, with a bond built on loyalty and dedication. His charisma and know-how make him invaluable, and he’s fully capable of overseeing multiple locations.

  • Ana

    P83 MANAGER

    Ana keeps things running smooth at our P83 location, and she does it with serious style. She’s all about creating a fun, welcoming vibe for every guest who walks through the door. With a deep love for the team and a sharp eye on the details, Ana brings a steady hand and a whole lot of heart to everything she does. From opening to close, you’ll feel the difference she makes.

  • Casey

    HAPPY VALLEY MANAGER

    Casey brings heart, hustle, and great energy to our Happy Valley location. He’s passionate about serving the community, supporting his team, and making sure every guest leaves with a smile. Whether he’s helping in the kitchen or connecting with customers, Casey leads with kindness and consistency—making Brushfire feel like home for everyone who walks through the door.

  • Cece

    PUREHEART MANAGER

    At our Pure Heart location, Cece is the heartbeat of the team. Her leadership style is all about lifting others up and keeping the energy positive and flowing. Whether she’s helping in the kitchen or connecting with guests, Cece creates a space that feels like family. She's not just managing a store—she’s building a community, one taco at a time.