La Taqueria Taco Shop

Marcelo Ramirez has fond memories of growing up eating street tacos in his native Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city. A staple in his home country, taco vendors can be found on nearly every street corner. “I clearly remember being three-years-old and heading to the street stand for my tacos,” says Marcelo.

When he immigrated to Canada in 2006, it became his mission to offer Vancouverites traditional Mexican tacos. “When I first arrived, there were very few Mexican restaurants, and of those, the tacos were served in hard shells,” he explains. “Authentic Mexican tacos are in warm, soft tortillas filled with beef, pork, chicken or fish with various toppings and salsas.”

Having grown up in a family of hoteliers and restaurant owners, operating a commercial kitchen was in is blood. “I grew up in my relatives’ restaurants, so it was a natural fit to get into the business,” Marcelo adds.

Pairing up with business partner Romero Alfonso, La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop opened its doors in 2009. By 2017, La Taqueria (which means taco shop) has grown to include five locations, a commissary kitchen and a thriving catering business. The newest restaurant opened on Hornby Street in May 2017.