An award-winning Valley taco concept is putting down roots in Gilbert. Tacos Tijuana plans to open its newest location at Barnone at Agritopia in October, bringing corn tortillas pressed to order, al pastor carved fresh from the trompo, and the family’s signature red salsa called Salsa Adolfa to the East Valley for the first time.
The move is a homecoming of sorts for operator Wendy Torres, who has lived in Gilbert with her family for 11 years, according to WhatNow. Torres and her husband, Holmes, are bringing the family business closer to home, and the Torres family had actually visited Agritopia as customers before deciding to open a location there, per the same report. The family had also considered opening a location at Epicenter several years ago, though those plans never materialized.
Tacos Tijuana traces back to 2016, when Adolfo Torres launched the concept from a food truck that sold out on its very first day near 67th Avenue and Thunderbird, according to WhatNow’s account. From there, the business has operated in Glendale and Mesa for eight years, eventually opening full restaurants in both cities. Phoenix New Times recognized the growing concept with a Best Tacos honor in its 2019 Best of Phoenix awards, following an earlier Best of the Valley nod in 2017.
From a Food Truck to a Landmark Address
Tacos Tijuana’s Glendale roots go back to its first brick-and-mortar restaurant, opened in 2017 after that initial food truck launch, according to a Seasoned job listing detailing the company’s history. The family business built its reputation on fast, affordable street tacos made with traditional recipes, and it avoids frozen ingredients and concentrates in the kitchen. Its horchata is made by soaking rice with whole cinnamon sticks overnight, while hibiscus flowers are steeped daily for the Jamaica beverage served alongside the tacos…