Los Angeles City Council Grants Historic Designation to Original King Taco Restaurant

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to designate the original King Taco restaurant in Cypress Park as a Historic-Cultural Monument. This decision recognizes the establishment’s pivotal role in shaping Los Angeles’ culinary and cultural landscape.

The Significance of King Taco’s Designation

The original King Taco, located at 1118 N. Cypress Avenue, is celebrated as the birthplace of the first taco truck in the United States. Founders Raul O. And Maria G. Martinez, Mexican immigrants who arrived in Los Angeles in 1969, began operations in 1974 by converting an ice cream truck into a mobile taco vendor. Their innovation introduced the Mexican-style soft shell taco to a broader audience and revolutionized the local Latino food scene.

City officials confirmed the property meets the criteria for Historic-Cultural Monument status since it “exemplifies significant contributions to the broad cultural, economic or social history of the nation, state, city, or community.” The designation provides temporary protection against demolition for up to one year while preservation options are evaluated.

From Humble Beginnings to a Culinary Institution

The Martinez couple’s journey began with a retrofitted ice cream truck serving freshly made tacos directly from the vehicle. Over time, their operation expanded and the business established a permanent site at the corner of Cypress and Roseview avenues in 1975. As of 2025, King Taco has grown to operate 22 restaurants across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, maintaining its legacy as a cornerstone of the city’s taco truck culture.

Community Impact and Cultural Legacy

The Cultural Heritage Commission highlighted that King Taco’s founders not only created the first taco truck in the U.S. But also introduced the Mexican-style soft shell taco to the wider public. This innovation significantly influenced Los Angeles’ Latino culinary identity. The restaurant’s longevity and continued operation underscore its importance as a cultural institution that has served the community for over five decades.

Preservation Efforts and Future Outlook

With the Historic-Cultural Monument designation, the city can now review preservation strategies for the original site. The unanimous vote by the City Council followed earlier unanimous approval from the Planning and Land Employ Management Committee and a recommendation from the Cultural Heritage Commission on February 5, 2026. This layered approval process underscores the broad consensus on the restaurant’s historical value.

As King Taco continues to operate its flagship location, the designation ensures that this piece of Los Angeles’ culinary heritage will be protected for future generations to appreciate, and enjoy.