"The original King Taco, which went on to become an iconic restaurant chain in Southern California with locations throughout the region, including Long Beach, Pasadena, and San Bernardino, got its initial start in 1974. Raúl and Maria Martinez bought a classic ice cream truck and converted it into a mobile taqueria. The Martinezes opened their first brick-and-mortar shop, with a walk-up counter, at 1118 N. Cypress Avenue in 1975 and have since expanded to 22 restaurants."
"The LA Conservancy credits its soft corn-tortilla tacos, topped with grilled meats, cilantro, onions, and fresh salsas, as the first to familiarize Americans with an alternative to the hard-shell fried tacos that had long been the standard. Raúl Maritnez, a Mexico City-born taquero, is also credited for being the first to bring the al pastor taco to Los Angeles and installing one of the city's first trompos (vertical spits) at the original Eastside location."
King Taco's original Los Angeles location is under consideration for historic-cultural monument designation after unanimous approval by the Cultural Heritage Commission. The business began in 1974 when Raúl and Maria Martinez converted an ice cream truck into a mobile taqueria, opened a walk-up storefront at 1118 N. Cypress Avenue in 1975, and grew to 22 restaurants. The LA Conservancy credits the chain's soft corn-tortilla tacos and fresh salsas for popularizing alternatives to hard-shell tacos and credits Raúl with bringing al pastor and installing one of the city's first trompos. If designated, the city can delay demolition permits up to 360 days and pursue preservation.
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