One of Raleigh’s favorite taco trucks plans to open a brick-and-mortar spot
The name Gym Tacos nods to a great dilemma. Eating tacos is always better than working out.
In a battle of best intentions, Gym Tacos co-owner Uriel Romero always found himself choosing tacos over the gym.
“I tried to be a fitness guy, but also I like tacos,” Romero said. “I always say I want to go to the gym. Now I go to Gym Tacos.”
In a little over a year, the bright orange Gym Tacos truck has developed a passionate following in Raleigh. Now there’s a Gym Tacos brick and mortar taqueria in the works.
Gym Tacos will move into the former Hieu Bowl Vietnamese Kitchen at 3701 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, near Meredith College and the Gorman Street intersection. Romero said that a regular customer of the taco truck scouted out places for a possible restaurant, eventually landing on the former pho shop. The owners expect the new taqueria to open in about four months.
Long lines of customers
The Triangle is blessed with a vibrant taco truck scene, but in a matter of months, Gym Tacos has become one Raleigh’s favorites. The truck is parked seven days a week in the Valero gas station lot at 220 E Six Forks Road in Raleigh, often with deep lines of customers waiting to order.
“I think it’s the food, the flavor,” Romero said. “People have been spreading the word.”
Gym Tacos is Romero, his brother Gamaliel and friends Jorge Perez and Roberto Bruno. All four have worked in Raleigh kitchens for more than a decade, but wanted to start something of their own, Romero said.
“It’s really hard work, since we don’t know anything about owning a company,” Romero said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun. We love our people, and people like our food.”
Opening a first restaurant is a feat in any year, but Gym Tacos looks to open while the country is still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Romero said they expect to rely heavily on to-go orders, but will eventually have some indoor seating. He’s optimistic, though, as the Gym Tacos reputation has already been built with Styrofoam boxes.
“We’re not really scared about opening in the COVID,” Romero said. “It is what it is. We have to keep going and think positive.”
Nachos may join the menu
The menu at the brick and mortar Gym Tacos will be largely the same as the truck, Romero said, with nearly a dozen taco options, tortas, burritos, quesadillas and tostadas. The only major addition, Romero said, is that nachos may make an appearance.
Romero said he moved to Raleigh from Mexico 15 years ago pursuing higher paying jobs than he had had back home. He said he and the other partners continue to send money back to their families in Mexico and that they hope to expand their dreams with the new restaurant.
“If you have a dream, you can make it if you put passion in what you do,” Romero said. “That’s the American dream, right? To be successful and support your family.”
This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 11:58 AM.
