Stephanie Gallegos and her fiancé, David Ramirez, plan to bring authentic Mexican cuisine to the area with the launch of their new food truck, Yahualica’s Tacos y Más, by the end of March.
The couple said they saw an opportunity to introduce traditional Mexican dishes to the community, noting a lack of authentic options locally.
“While we have plenty of New Mexican options, we don’t have authentic Mexican food here,” Gallegos said. “We felt like it would be something good for customers and something different.”
Gallegos lived in Texas for 10 years, where she experienced the region’s strong Mexican food culture. Ramirez is also familiar with the cuisine as his father is from Yahualica, Mexico. Together, the couple came up with the name for their new venture, Yahualica’s Tacos y Más.
The couple is working to determine if they are able to rent a spot and park in Parovich Park once operations begin. “The second option will be in front of the old Movies at Home in town, either way we want to be central.”
Yahualica’s Tacos y Más will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Tuesday, and will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Gallegos says she will use those two days to take clients at her salon, Eternal Cuts.
The menu will feature street tacos served as a $12 plate, which includes sides such as guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo and a choice of charro beans or refried beans. Customers will also have the option to add tortas, flautas or smothered papas.
In addition to food, the truck will offer a variety of beverages, including dirty sodas, Mexican aguas frescas, Jarritos and American sodas. Dessert options are expected to include flan, pastel de tres leches, buñuelos topped with chocolate, cherries and ice cream, apple, cherry and blueberry pies, and a New Mexican favorite, biscochitos.
Gallegos said the couple plans on attending special event weekends in Red River and the local fiestas are also part of the business plan.
Hospitality runs in Gallegos’ family. Her grandparents owned a Mexican restaurant in Denver where she worked for some time. She was also raised working in restaurants in Red River and for her uncle Fabian and aunt Mary’s pizza shop. She has also operated a semi-truck company, bringing prior business ownership experience to the venture.
Gallegos said customer service will be a top priority.
“Customer service is number 1,” she said, adding that staying open until 8 p.m. will give residents and visitors a later dining option.
If all goes as planned, Yahualica’s Tacos y Más will open before the end of March.
