New location a boon for Tacos N’ More

Location does make a difference.

For the past 5 years, Tacos N’ More Mexican Grill was in a remote spot south of the railroad tracks on State Route 347. Now, it will be one of first restaurants people see as they drive into Maricopa from the north. The new location is still on S.R 347, but in the same business plaza as Ace Hardware.

“I didn’t think the location would make that much of a difference, but we have already seen triple in profits,” said Mercy Vasquez, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Joe. “We were initially worried about some of our customers not following us, but they’ve stayed with us and we really have to thank them and the city for their support.”

Tacos N’ More held a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday to a crowd of city officials and loyal customers to celebrate the opening of its new location. The event was organized by the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce. Vasquez cut the red ribbon and commemorated the occasion with champagne. In attendance were Councilmembers Marvin Brown, Julia Gusse and Alan Marchione, along with City Manager Brenda Fischer. 

The restaurant had a soft opening on June 25, and Vasquez said they can hardly keep their refrigerator shelves stocked. Often there are lines from the cashier to the door, and she has hired more staff to handle the new influx of customers.

“My husband is constantly going back and forth picking up more meat and fresh vegetables for our sauces,” Vasquez said. “As soon as we make something, it’s gone. Nothing is frozen or canned, and so our kitchen staff is always busy.”

The menu, salsa bar and the prices have remained the same, and in addition to the dining area with a new jukebox, the restaurant now has a patio that will be available for parties.

“We still have our liquor license, and the patio will be set up so people can come in to eat, listen to music and socialize,” said Vasquez. “Ace Hardware has been very helpful with materials and getting us what we need to make this place look good. When the weather is nice, having the patio will be awesome.”

Vasquez said the former location had limited parking for their customers. However, because the business had survived through the difficult economy and maintained its customer base, she had to weigh the option of continuously remodeling the old location versus moving to a new one. She realizes now how the constant trains and the remoteness of the old location were affecting her business.

 She is glad they made the move.

“This place has easy access and we are right in the commotion of it all,” Vasquez said of the new location. “My face has a big smile, ear to ear, because of the way things are going.”

“I will follow them wherever they go,” said Keith Ives, a teacher at Maricopa High School. “I will miss the fact they were across the street from work, but I like the new location and the new look makes it feels more vibrant.”

Chamber chairman Bob Gillespie said the chamber was happy to organize the event as it works diligently to support all businesses in Maricopa. He also said the change of location and success of the restaurant was a positive sign for the city and noted with businesses working together, Maricopa as a whole will benefit and see renewed growth.  

At a glance:

21596 N. John Wayne Parkway

7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

520-568-9095