Maria Ramirez
Founder & Head Chef
The visionary behind Taco Time, Maria brings 30+ years of culinary mastery and a grandmother's love to every recipe on our menu.
Our Story
About Taco Time
We're more than a restaurant — we're a tradition. Discover the passion, people, and purpose behind your favorite taco time experience in North Salt Lake, Utah and across the United States.
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Our Story
Where Every Bite Tells a Story
Taco Time began in 1999 with a simple dream: bring authentic taco time flavors — bold, fresh, and deeply satisfying — to the heart of North Salt Lake, Utah. What started as a small family kitchen has grown into one of the most beloved Mexican-inspired food destinations in the United States.
Our founder, Maria Ramirez, grew up watching her grandmother turn simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. She carried that wisdom into every recipe we craft today. From hand-pressed tortillas to house-made salsas, every element of our menu reflects a commitment to authenticity and quality.
Over two decades later, tacotime is still a family business at heart — one that has welcomed thousands of neighbors, visitors, and food lovers to our table. We believe great food connects people, and that's exactly what we set out to do every single day.
Farm Fresh
Ingredients sourced from local farms every morning.
Made Fresh Daily
No freezers — everything prepared fresh from scratch.
Family Recipes
Handed down through generations, never compromised.
Community First
Proudly serving our neighborhood for 25+ years.
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Purpose
At Taco Time, our mission is to serve food that feels like home — freshly prepared, boldly seasoned, and crafted with genuine care. We exist to bring people together over great meals and great moments.
Fresh Quality
We refuse to cut corners. Every ingredient is selected with care, every dish prepared to order. Our kitchens run on freshness — not convenience shortcuts.
Community Rooted
We source locally, hire locally, and give back locally. Taco Time is inseparable from the North Salt Lake community that helped us grow.
Authentic Flavor
Our menu stays true to traditional Mexican-inspired recipes. We honor culinary heritage with every tortilla pressed, every salsa blended, every taco served.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
These aren't slogans on a wall — they're principles we live by in the kitchen, at the counter, and in our community every single day.
Uncompromising Quality
We never sacrifice ingredient quality for cost savings. If it's not good enough for our own families, it's not going on your plate.
Honest Hospitality
Every guest deserves a warm welcome and genuine care. We treat every customer like a neighbor, because most of them are.
Sustainable Practices
We reduce waste, choose sustainable packaging, and work with growers who respect the land. Good food shouldn't cost the earth.
Continuous Innovation
While we honor tradition, we also love experimenting. New seasonal specials and rotating dishes keep the menu exciting and fresh.
Food Safety First
Rigorous hygiene standards, daily kitchen inspections, and staff training ensure every meal is as safe as it is delicious.
Team Empowerment
Our team is our greatest asset. We invest in training, fair wages, and a supportive culture that lets people thrive and grow.
Our Journey
A History Built on Flavor
From a humble family kitchen to a thriving community staple — here's how Taco Time grew into what it is today.
1999
The First Taco
Maria Ramirez opens a small 12-seat taqueria in North Salt Lake, Utah, serving three items: tacos, burritos, and agua fresca. Lines form on day one.
2004
Growing the Family
Demand surges. Taco Time moves to its current location at 496 E 1100 N, tripling its kitchen size and expanding the menu to 30+ items.
2009
Award-Winning Cuisine
Taco Time wins the Utah Food Excellence Award for Best Mexican Restaurant — the first of seven consecutive years earning the recognition.
2014
Catering Launch
Taco Time launches its full-service catering division, bringing authentic tacotime flavor to weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings across the United States.
2019
20 Years & Going Strong
Celebrating two decades of service, Taco Time serves its one-millionth taco and launches its online ordering platform to meet growing demand.
2024
Expanding the Vision
A complete menu refresh introduces plant-based options, seasonal specials, and a refreshed dining space — honoring tradition while embracing the future of food.
The People Behind the Food
Meet Our Team
Every great meal starts with great people. Our passionate team brings decades of culinary experience and genuine love for food to every shift.
Carlos Mendez
Executive Chef
Trained in Oaxaca and Utah, Carlos leads our kitchen with precision and creativity, constantly elevating our taco time classics.
Sofia Torres
Operations Manager
Sofia ensures Taco Time runs like clockwork — from fresh ingredient delivery at dawn to the last happy customer at closing time.
James Whitfield
Catering Director
James leads our event catering team, bringing the full taco time experience to corporate events, weddings, and celebrations across the United States.
Interested in joining our passionate team?
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