One of the obvious advantages of owning and operating a food truck is the ability to move it. Alex Hernandez first opened his Los Jalapeños Food Truck in Mt. Pleasant in 2015. He'd then move it to Lansing. Searching for an ideal location, Hernandez would eventually drive Los Jalapeños to Midland.
It's Midland where Hernandez found a reliable customer base for his food truck, and he's become a regular fixture at beer gardens, farmers markers, fairs, and other events ever since. Hernandez liked Midland so much, in fact, that he's decided to open a permanent brick-and-mortar location in town.
Los Jalapeños Taqueria officially opened its doors in December 2017, selling the tacos Hernandez has become known for, while expanding the menu to include other staples of authentic Mexican cuisine. A grand opening party is being planned for mid-March.
"Opening the restaurant was always part of my dream and, ultimately, my plan," Hernandez says. "The food truck let me put the Los Jalapeños name out there and see how people liked it, see how many people we could reach with the name and the food."
Hernandez still plans on operating the food truck at select events, and offers catering now, too. The restaurant itself seats about 78 people, with 25 tables and booths.
Hernandez says that though Los Jalapenos isn't fast food, there is an emphasis on speed. He wants the taqueria to become a lunch destination, one where workers in Midland can stop in on their breaks and get back to work on time.
"We're introducing new tacos every Tuesday, with different specials each day," Hernandez says. "The concept is not a formal restaurant, but more relaxed--a taqueria. You order at the front and get served at a table. The food gets there faster."
"People are less willing to wait at lunchtime."
Los Jalapeños Taqueria is located at 1900 S. Saginaw Rd. in Midland.
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