CEDAR FALLS — Maribel Islas and family are bringing authentic Mexican street food to Cedar Falls.
She’s following a household tradition by opening an eatery of her own, Tacoz California, at 200 W. First St., in the space formerly occupied by David’s Taphouse and Dumplings.
Her family began running the Los Reyes food truck in Waterloo at “Six Corners” — the intersection of West Fourth Street and Kimball, Campbell, and Williston avenues — in 2017.
Owner Maribel Islas, center, and her daughters, Vanessa, left, and Joanna Romero, inside their newly opened Tacoz California at 200 W. First St. in Cedar Falls.
Her mother, Maria Islas, and brother, Antonio Islas, initially sold burritos at the Tyson Foods facility while working there. Later, they ran the food truck with the help of Maribel and her children. They then opened up a restaurant called Taqueria Los Reyes on Franklin Street in Waterloo.
Maribel Islas followed in her family members’ footsteps by running a Tacoz California food truck in the same spot they did back in 2020. Now, though, she has taken the step of opening a brick-and-mortar space that began offering similar cuisine right before the start of 2023.
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“People we know will like the street food and tacos with fresh homemade corn tortillas,” Islas said. “There’s not a lot of places like this, and it’s different from a typical Mexican restaurant. We’ve gotten a lot of good feedback. Any negative feedback, I always tell people, we’ll learn from it.”
Family members of Tacoz California owner Maribel Islas’ run the Los Reyes food truck and the Taqueria Los Reyes restaurant in Waterloo.
“We love food, but decided to do our own thing,” she added in explaining why they decided not to team up with her brother and mother. “We’d be working close with family and didn’t want to mess up what we have as a family because family is a very important thing.”
Islas, of Evansdale, gave a lot of credit to her mother for teaching her family how “to make delicious authentic Mexican food. … She taught us how to make the real stuff.”
“It’s not packaged. It’s fresh rice, fresh salsa, and we’re cutting everything fresh” ranging from the onions to the limes, radishes, lettuce and everything in between. “It’s homemade. The meats are cut fresh too.”
Joanna Romero, daughter of owner Maribel Islas, is depicted as a caricature in the official Tacoz California logo.
The family offers carne asada, al pastor, chicken and chorizo for the tacos as well as other meats like cheek and tongue. While admittedly not authentic, they have given in a bit and offer ground beef too.
Their roots are in Salinas, California, a central coast town close to San Francisco, where taco vendors dot the streets. Their mother immigrated there from Jerez, a town in the state of Zacatecas, about 50 years ago.
They followed Islas’ sister, Joanna, who moved to Iowa because of her husband. Islas been living in the Cedar Valley the last 13 years.
The new Mexican restaurant Tacoz California recently opened at 200 W. First St. in Cedar Falls.
The most popular item on the menu has been the birria taco. She encourages people to try it, but recognizes “it’s different and not for everybody.”
“It’s got a strong beef flavor and comes with a broth and spices,” she said.
Islas has a behind-the-scenes role, while daughters Joanna and Vanessa Romero and brother Jose Islas have taken on management and kitchen responsibilities.
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“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here,” she said about why she finally was able to decide “I’m going to do this” and open up the physical location.
“Our mother had a vision and executed it,” said Jose Islas. “Just look at all the decorations. Her ideas were something fresh, new and colorful.”
“I wanted to help make her dream come true,” added Joanna Romero, who is depicted as a caricature in the official logo. “She’s always wanted to own her own restaurant.” Romero noted she’s enjoyed seeing her mother smile in the days since opening.
The new Mexican restaurant Tacoz California recently opened at 200 W. First St. in Cedar Falls.
The facility is decorated like the “bright colors and graffiti” seen in Salinas, California. One of the portraits behind the bar area — they are still working on obtaining a liquor license — features sunglasses with the reflections of the “low rider” vehicles commonly driven on the city’s streets. Also among the décor are dolls with a “Dia De Los Muertos” theme, the Day of the Dead celebration.
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It brings that feeling of a “whole culture of chicanos” – not from United States or Mexico, but sort of a hybrid “American of Mexican origin.”
“Chicanos are not from Chicago,” she quipped, as she’ll sometimes hear in the Midwest.
Tacoz California is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. More about the restaurant as well as the complete menu can be found online at its Facebook page. In addition to tacos, it offers burritos, quesadillas, ramen noodles and other sides.
“That’s the latest we’re open because I don’t want to overwork my staff. They’re already here 12 hours for the day,” she said. “It’s hard work. I’m here at 6 a.m. and am leaving at 9 p.m.”
“It’s tough, but I love what I’m doing,” she added.
In the future, she plans to offer alcoholic beverages and open an elevated private party area in the facility.
The new Mexican restaurant Tacoz California recently opened at 200 W. First St. in Cedar Falls.
As with many businesses, the opening days have been hectic, but it’s seen early success even without an official sign immediately put out front.
“It’s not been easy. We’ve been short-staffed,” said Islas. “It’s been really crazy in the kitchen. But people have been understanding and supportive.”
The restaurant is seeking to add more cooks. It has a sit-down area feeding about 75 people, but orders are placed at the counter and no waiters have been hired.
Photos: The funeral of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Faithful arrive into St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, ahead of the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement, his days mainly devoted to prayer and reflection. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
A woman holds a cross as she waits the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement, his days mainly devoted to prayer and reflection. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Musicians from Bavaria, Germany, arrive into St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, ahead of the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement, his days mainly devoted to prayer and reflection. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
A guard stands as the fog covers the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican ahead of the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement, his days mainly devoted to prayer and reflection. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
People start taking their seats at dawn ahead of the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Holy communion vessels are filled ahead of the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
People occupy their positions at the St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican ahead of the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement, his days mainly devoted to prayer and reflection. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
The coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is brought to St. Peter’s Square for a funeral mass at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is brought to St. Peter’s Square for a funeral mass at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Pope Francis sits by the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI St. Peter’s Square during a funeral mass at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Faithful attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Faithful attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Faithful attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Members of the church attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Members of the church attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Faithful attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
People gather in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican during the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement, his days mainly devoted to prayer and reflection. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Pope Francis, right, leaves as the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is carrying after a funeral mass at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement, his days mainly devoted to prayer and reflection. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Pope Francis touches the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI before it is carried away after a funeral mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Faithful attend the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Pope Francis watchs as the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is carried away after a funeral mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Francis is pushed away on a wheelchair, right, while the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is carried away after a funeral mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Pope Francis touches the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI after a funeral mass at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement, his days mainly devoted to prayer and reflection.(Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse Via AP)
Pope Francis, centre, sits as the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI St. Peter’s Square is carrying for a funeral mass at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
In this image released on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, by the Vatican Media news service, Pope Francis touches the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI after the funeral mass for late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. He was 95. (Vatican Media via AP)
Pope Francis, centre, attends a funeral mass next to the coffin of late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023. Benedict died at 95 on Dec. 31 in the monastery on the Vatican grounds where he had spent nearly all of his decade in retirement. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
