In 1974, Raul Martinez had a vision—and a problem. As a recent immigrant from Mexico City, he wanted to share the bold, authentic flavors of his homeland with Los Angeles. The catch? He didn’t have a restaurant. But what he did have was an old ice cream truck and the drive to turn it into something extraordinary.
Armed with al pastor meat, fresh tortillas, and a dream, Raul transformed that truck into the first-ever taco truck. He parked it outside a bar in East LA and started serving up late-night tacos to hungry patrons. The response? Pure taco mania. Within six months, Raul had earned enough to open his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, King Taco, in Cypress Park.
The Rise of King Taco
From the beginning, King Taco was more than a restaurant—it was a cultural phenomenon. Raul opened a second location in East Los Angeles, cementing the brand as a local icon. By the mid-1990s, King Taco had expanded to 14 locations, pulling in over $21 million annually. Talk about spicy success!
A Lasting Legacy
Raul Martinez Sr. passed away in 2013, but his influence lives on. King Taco now boasts over 20 locations, and taco trucks are a beloved part of American food culture. Raul didn’t just start a business; he sparked a movement that brought the flavors of Mexico to streets across the U.S.
Staff’s Take
Raul’s story proves that even an old ice cream truck can lead to greatness. So next time you bite into a taco, thank Raul for showing us that dreams—like tacos—are best served fresh and with a little spice.
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