From Food Truck Dreams to Brick-and-Mortar Bliss: The el Mero Taco Story

El Mero Taco isn't just a restaurant; it's a love story, a culinary fusion, and a testament to the power of shared dreams. It's the brainchild of Clarissa and Jacob Dries, a husband-and-wife team whose passion for food, family, and community brought them together at Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, Texas. There, amidst the clatter of knives and the aroma of culinary creations, they discovered a shared vision: to open a family-owned restaurant.

While their backgrounds might seem worlds apart – Clarissa hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of Oaxaca, Mexico, and Jacob rooted in the comforting flavors of Memphis, Tennessee – their paths to this shared dream were remarkably similar. Clarissa grew up immersed in the bustling kitchens of her family's restaurants in Oaxaca, learning the secrets of authentic Mexican cuisine firsthand. Jacob, meanwhile, found his culinary calling in his grandmother's kitchen in Memphis. At 15, he took a front-of-house job at a local restaurant, but the pull of the kitchen proved irresistible.

During their time in Austin, Jacob kept a close eye on developments back in Memphis. He was excited to learn about the newly passed legislation allowing food trucks, a concept that sparked their entrepreneurial spirit. The food truck, they realized, was the perfect stepping stone – a chance to experiment, to share their unique culinary blend, and to test the waters of the Memphis food scene. It was a way to have fun with their combined culinary knowledge and introduce curious palates to the magic of Oaxacan-Memphis fusion.

And magic it was. For several years, their food truck, el Mero Taco, became a local sensation. Memphians embraced the bold flavors, the warm hospitality, and the unique story behind the truck. Clarissa and Jacob poured their hearts and souls into every taco, every cocktail, every interaction, building a loyal following and proving their concept.

The overwhelming response to their food truck dream fueled an even bigger ambition. Seeing the love Memphis had for their food, Clarissa and Jacob decided to take the next leap and open a brick-and-mortar restaurant. El Mero Taco Restaurant is more than just an expansion; it's the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a shared passion. The restaurant boasts an expanded menu, showcasing even more of their culinary creativity, alongside an impressive selection of mezcal and tequila, and expertly crafted cocktails. It's a place where the warmth of Southern hospitality meets the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca, where family recipes are shared, and where every dish tells a story. Come experience the magic of el Mero Taco – a taste of two cultures, one shared dream.