Nancy comes from a long line of good cooks, so it was no surprise that after college she made the move east to attend the Culinary Institute of America. After apprenticing with several chefs in Manhattan, Nancy stepped out and began her own business in Greenwich Connecticut, Nancy Allen Rose Caterers.

After twelve successful years catering, Nancy still held the desire to share memories of the cantinas back-home in New Mexico. Keeping in mind her favorites like, Tito's Tavern, Little Anita's, Tomasito's, Sadie's and The Territorial House, she recreated her vision of the New Mexican cantina in Greenwich, Connecticut. These are all places where the food has more to do with the personal tastes of the cook than any notion of what might be considered "authentic" regional cooking. Loyal to this tradition, the Boxcar Cantina is meant to be a place for good wholesome food, stiff margaritas and a friendly atmosphere.