Chasing Down Dia De Los Tacos
Chasing down Dia De Los Tacos as they bring the food truck scene to Marquette!
A pair of Miss Piggy tacos hot and fresh from the Dia De Los Tacos truck in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)
Marquette, MI – You may have seen their signature blue truck popping up all over town since last summer… on Third St., downtown, by the Medical center by day or outside our best local pubs by night on the weekends. Dia De Los Tacos are making a name for themselves in Marquette and creating a following of foodie fans with good reason.
Mike and Teri Walker speak about how they began their taco truck business in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)
Even the winter didn’t slow them down… Throughout the record breaking cold, co-owner Mike Walker says, “We’ve been busy every single day. We had people lining up!” This is not so surprising once you get a taste of what they’re serving up. Great food, for a reasonable price, and making it as easy as possible by bringing it to you.
A cheesy delight served up from the Dia De Los Tacos food truck in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)
Husband and wife team Mike and Teri Walker have brought an exciting new twist to the Marquette food scene. Inspired by the exploding foodie truck scene in urban areas across the states and Mike’s love (or as Teri puts it “obsession”) for tacos they have put together a dynamic menu of tasty Mexican fare.
After returning to the U.P. via Portland Mike and Teri are enjoying the versatility of running a food truck. Not only is it less expensive to run than a restaurant but it also allows them the freedom to do more interesting things, have a lot of fun with those they work with, and build a community around what they’re doing.
Jackie builds tacos for in the Dia De Los Tacos truck in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)
So why tacos? Mike fell in love with Mexican food when working and living near the Mexican district in Detroit. “I ate at tacorias all the time,” he says and has been hooked ever since. Mike developed his own recipes based on experimentation and playing with things he liked to eat. He proudly states, “I freakin love tacos!”
Mike Walker flips tortillas on the grill in preparation of making tacos for Dia De Los Tacos in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)
They also love all the support they’ve received since the inception of the idea as they shared their journey of building the taco truck business via social media. A community formed and grew along with them and Mike feels that everyone is a part of their success. According to Teri the local environment has been very open and receptive. “Everyone has been so supportive,” she says.
Fresh black beans and pulled pork create the foundation for this Miss Piggy taco from the Dia De Los Taco truck in Marquette, Mi. (photo by Ron Caspi)
They feel this is due to the likeablity of small businesses like theirs. “It’s something that’s easy for people to get passionate about and everyone wants to root for it,” says Teri. The two of them find satisfaction in feeling they are providing food that benefits the community. And how, you may ask do tacos benefit our community?
Consider this: Mike (like many others nowadays) was diagnosed with Celiac disease (an intolerance of the body to gluten products, mainly wheat). Using corn based tortillas makes tacos as Mike puts it, “a versatile and pliable canvas” enabling endless creative combinations of meats, vegetables, and beans within. In addition the food is made fresh and the menu features items for meat lovers and vegetarians alike.
People gather for lunch at the Dia De Los Taco truck in Marquette, MI. (photo by Ron Caspi)
So, what’s the best part about running the Dia De Los Tacos truck business? According to Teri it’s great to work side by side with so many fun people, “Especially if you’re gonna be stuck in a tiny truck together, you’ve got to be able to get along!” Mike adds that there’s nothing more heartwarming than having folks chase them down shouting “tacos!”
These two are truly living up to the name they have given their food truck endeavor: “Dia De Los Tacos” whose greater meaning implies we should all come together and celebrate life over a freakin good taco!
Dia De Los Tacos, Marquette, MI.
Check out the Dia De Los Tacos Facebook page to wet your appetite with a peak at their menu, find out where they are, and enter to be the customer of the day which wins you a free taco and Facebook infamy!
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