Today we’d like to introduce you to Raul Valdivia.
Hi Raul , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Taco Bar is, at its heart, a family-owned business with roots deeply connected to our hometown of Mexico City. When our family immigrated to Maryland, one of the things we missed most was the true taste of the street tacos we grew up with — the kind you find sizzling on every corner back home. In 2001, we decided to turn that nostalgia and passion into something real. Our vision was simple but ambitious: to bring authentic Mexican food to the Gaithersburg area, where it was very limited and difficult to find at the time.
After months of planning, saving, and testing recipes, we proudly opened our doors on Valentine’s Day 2002. That date felt symbolic — it represented love for our culture, our food, and our new community. What began as a small family dream slowly grew into a beloved local spot, one taco at a time. This year marks 23 years of serving the Gaithersburg community.
Over the years, Taco Bar has expanded its reach. In 2017, we opened a second location in Frederick, Maryland, allowing us to share our flavors with even more people. But the journey hasn’t been without major challenges. Like many small businesses, we’ve weathered recessions and the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic. The most difficult moment came in 2023, when an act of arson caused a fire that forced us to close our doors for 18 months. It was heartbreaking, but it also reminded us how strong our family and community can be. With their support, we rebuilt and proudly reopened in January 2025.
During the renovation period, our story took an exciting new turn. We introduced a new member to our restaurant family: Takito by Taco Bar in Hagerstown, MD — a drive-through taqueria that brings the same authentic flavor and spirit as its parent company. It reflects our continued commitment to innovation while staying true to our roots.
From a small family dream to a multi-location restaurant group, our journey has been filled with challenges, growth, and resilience. But at the core, our mission remains unchanged: to share the authentic taste of Mexico City street tacos with the communities we serve.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped who we are today. As a family-owned business, we’ve had to navigate the ups and downs of the economy just like everyone else. Over the past 23 years, we’ve weathered recessions, the unpredictability of the COVID pandemic, and the everyday hurdles that come with running a restaurant.
One of the biggest challenges we faced happened in 2023, when an arson attack caused a fire that forced us to close for 18 months. It was devastating — not just financially, but emotionally. Taco Bar has always been a labor of love for our family, and seeing it damaged in that way was incredibly difficult. But that period also revealed the strength of our community and our team. People reached out, supported us, and reminded us why we started in the first place.
Rebuilding took time, patience, and an enormous amount of determination, but in January 2025 we were finally able to reopen our doors. That moment meant everything to us. Despite the hardships, we used that downtime to grow in new ways, including creating Takito by Taco Bar, our drive-through taqueria in Hagerstown. It turned a period of uncertainty into one of reinvention.
Every setback has taught us something — resilience, gratitude, and the importance of staying true to our roots. While the road hasn’t been smooth, it has made our story stronger and our purpose clearer.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Taco Bar?
Taco Bar is all about bringing the true flavors of Mexico City to Maryland. We specialize in authentic Mexican food — the kind that stays true to its roots while welcoming everyone to the table. Our menu features classic street-style favorites like tacos, tortas, flautas, quesadillas, and more, each made with the same care and tradition our family grew up with.
One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to quality and authenticity. We’re proud to use organic corn tortillas, fresh products, and to prepare every order from scratch. Nothing we serve is pre-made or reheated — your meal is created the moment you order it. Our marinades are our own family recipes, crafted in-house using real, fresh ingredients, and our goal is always to serve food that feels alive with flavor.
A customer favorite is our daily-made salsa bar, which has become part of the Taco Bar experience. It features our signature green tomatillo salsa, spicy red árbol salsa, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, and other toppings that let guests customize every bite. It’s our way of giving people the same vibrant, layered flavors you’d find at a street stand in Mexico City.
What we’re most proud of, brand-wise, is that everything we do reflects our culture, our heritage, and our passion as a family. For us, Taco Bar isn’t just a business — it’s an extension of who we are. Every dish represents a story, a memory, or a tradition we’ve carried with us. We put our heart and soul into every meal because sharing authentic food is our way of connecting with the community.
For readers who haven’t visited us yet, we want them to know that Taco Bar is a place where food is made with intention, authenticity, and love. Whether you’re craving a simple taco or exploring the full menu, you’ll always get something fresh, real, and deeply rooted in the flavors of Mexico City.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is to be patient, stay focused on your vision, and understand that challenges are part of the journey — not signs that you’re on the wrong path. When we started Taco Bar, we were full of passion, but we didn’t yet realize how many obstacles we would face, from economic downturns to a pandemic to rebuilding after a fire. Looking back, I wish we had known that perseverance and adaptability would become just as important as good recipes and hard work.
For new entrepreneurs — especially those in the food industry — I’d say this: stay true to your identity. Trends come and go, but authenticity builds loyalty and longevity. Don’t be tempted to cut corners on quality or compromise on what makes your concept unique. People can taste the difference when food is made with real ingredients and real heart.
Another piece of advice is to surround yourself with people who believe in your mission. Whether it’s family, staff, or your community, having a strong support system makes the tough moments survivable and the good moments even sweeter.
And finally, be prepared to learn constantly. We didn’t know everything when we opened in 2002 — far from it. But every mistake taught us something valuable, and every challenge pushed us to grow. If you stay open to learning and trust the process, you’ll be amazed at how far your dream can take you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tacobarone.com
- Instagram: @tacobarllc1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tacobarllc1/
- Twitter: @tacobarllc1
