About Taco Time

Crafting authentic taco time experiences with passion, fresh ingredients, and a love for bold Mexican flavors since day one.

25+
Years of Flavor
120+
Locations Nationwide
2M+
Happy Customers
50+
Menu Items
Taco Time restaurant interior with fresh food preparation
1999 Founded in Spokane

The Story Behind
Taco Time

It all began in 1999 in Spokane, Washington, when founder Maria Elena Gutierrez opened a small family kitchen on Division Street with one simple dream: to share the authentic taco time flavors she grew up with in Guadalajara. Armed with her grandmother's recipes and an unwavering belief in fresh ingredients, she transformed a modest space into a community hub that quickly became the talk of the neighborhood.

"Every taco we make carries a piece of home — handmade with love, seasoned with tradition."
— Maria Elena Gutierrez, Founder

Word spread fast. By 2005, Taco Time had expanded to five locations across the Pacific Northwest. The secret was never a recipe alone — it was the culture. From hand-pressed tortillas made each morning to slow-braised meats simmered for hours, every element reflected an uncompromising commitment to authenticity.

Today, with over 120 locations across the United States, tacotime remains as passionate about quality as that very first day. Our kitchens still operate on the same founding principles: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a warm welcome for every guest who walks through our doors.

Our Mission

At Taco Time, our mission is to bring people together through the universal joy of great food. We believe that a truly great meal — crafted with care, served with warmth, and made from honest ingredients — has the power to brighten any day and create lasting memories. We are committed to serving every customer as a guest in our home.

Our Core Values

These principles guide every decision we make — from our kitchen to your table.

Fresh Always

We source local, seasonal produce and prep every ingredient from scratch each morning — no shortcuts, no compromises.

Made with Passion

Our team pours genuine love into every dish. From folding the perfect tortilla to plating the finishing garnish, craftsmanship shows.

Community First

We invest in the neighborhoods we serve — partnering with local farmers, supporting schools, and giving back to the communities that lifted us up.

Trust & Integrity

We are transparent about our ingredients, pricing, and practices. You always know exactly what you're getting at Taco Time.

Quality Standards

Every recipe goes through rigorous testing before it reaches our menu. We hold ourselves to the highest culinary and food-safety standards.

Guest Experience

We create welcoming spaces where everyone feels at home. Exceptional hospitality is as important to us as exceptional food.

Sustainability

We reduce waste, choose eco-friendly packaging, and work toward a greener footprint — because great food starts with a healthy planet.

Continuous Growth

We never stop learning. Our chefs travel, research, and innovate constantly — bringing new flavors while honoring our roots.

Meet Our Team

Our passionate team brings together culinary expertise, creative vision, and a shared love for exceptional food.

Maria Elena Gutierrez

Founder & CEO

The visionary behind Taco Time, Maria Elena brought her family's authentic recipes from Guadalajara to Spokane in 1999. Her relentless passion for flavor and community is the heartbeat of everything we do.

Carlos Rivera

Executive Chef

With training from the Culinary Institute of America and years of experience in Mexico City's top kitchens, Chef Carlos blends traditional technique with modern creativity to keep our menu fresh and exciting.

Sofia Hernandez

Head of Operations

Sofia ensures that every Taco Time location delivers the same exceptional standard. Her operational expertise and attention to detail are what make our consistency possible across 120+ locations.

James Park

Community Relations Director

James leads Taco Time's partnerships with local farms, schools, and charitable organizations. His work ensures we give back as much as we receive from the communities we're proud to serve.

Want to be part of our growing family?

Join Our Team

History & Milestones

From a single kitchen in Spokane to a nationwide tacotime destination — here's how our story unfolded.

1999

Doors Open in Spokane

Maria Elena opens the first Taco Time location at 4750 N Division St, Spokane, WA. The restaurant seats just 24 guests, but the line stretches around the block on opening day.

2003

Second Location & First Award

We open our second restaurant in Seattle and win the Pacific Northwest Culinary Excellence Award for Best Mexican Food — the first of many accolades to come.

2007

Franchise Program Launches

The Taco Time franchise program officially launches, allowing passionate food entrepreneurs to bring our flavors to their communities. Within the first year, 12 franchises open across three states.

2011

50th Location Milestone

We celebrate the opening of our 50th Taco Time location with a week-long community festival, free meals for local first responders, and the launch of our catering services.

2015

National Recognition

Taco Time is featured in Food & Wine Magazine's "50 Best Fast-Casual Restaurants in America." Our signature Crispy Beef Taco is named one of the country's most iconic dishes.

2019

20 Years & Going Strong

On our 20th anniversary, we cross the milestone of serving 1 million customers and introduce our first plant-based menu options, honoring our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

2023

Digital Innovation & 120+ Locations

We launch our new digital ordering platform and mobile app, making taco time more convenient than ever. With 120+ locations nationwide, our mission remains unchanged: fresh, bold, authentic.

Today

The Story Continues

Every day is a new chapter. We're expanding, innovating, and above all, staying true to the flavors and values that started it all. We invite you to be part of the next chapter.

It's Always the Right Time
for Taco Time

Experience the authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality that have made us a beloved staple across the United States.

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