Company: District Taco
Company Description: In 2009 Osiris Hoil and Marc Wallace, who knew each other as neighbors, created a business launching a mobile food cart serving Yucatan-inspired breakfast tacos. By 2022 the company had become a multi-unit restaurant franchise, with 15 restaurants throughout the DC Metropolitan area and Pennsylvania and 70 restaurants in development along the East Coast.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Minority-Owned Business of the Year
 Nomination Title: District Taco
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2022, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 191 words used.
Osiris Hoil was born in Yucatán, Mexico in 1982. He experienced a lower class upbringing on his family’s farm in Tekax where he helped his parents take care of the property. From a young age, he would often help his parents with the farm animals and prepare meals from ingredients found on the farm. In 2005, he moved from Denver to Arlington, Virginia and began working for a construction company. The 2008 economic collapse hit and Osiris was laid off. In 2009, Osiris and his neighbor, Marc Wallace, got together over some homemade chips and guacamole and decided to launch District Taco as a food truck which operated out of Rosslyn, Virginia.District Taco is differentiated in the market by its Yucatán-inspired menu based on the family recipes of Osiris. By 2022 the company had become a multi-unit restaurant franchise, with 15 restaurants throughout the DC Metropolitan area and Pennsylvania, and over 70 restaurants in development along the East Coast. District Taco’s mission is to serve quality - Yucatán style – Mexican food that is fresh, simple and healthy, with a fully customizable menu that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 237 words used.
Since the beginning of 2022, District Taco has marked significant achievements, solidifying its position as a thriving and innovative fast-casual restaurant. District Taco has successfully expanded into franchising, with the opening of its first two franchise locations in 2023. The company now has 15 restaurants throughout the DC Metropolitan area and Pennsylvania, and over 70 restaurants in development along the East Coast. In July 2022, District Taco sold their 10 millionth taco and rewarded them with a “Top Taco'' title as well as a year's supply of tacos. District Taco also took steps toward sustainability by implementing practices to reduce their environmental impact. In addition to authentic and affordable Mexican food, the brand has also become known for a number of innovative business solutions, including a plant-based protein option from Beyond Meat, and technology that will help position them as leaders in the restaurant industry. That technology includes a custom mobile app, online ordering, self-service kiosks , and a state of the art point-of-sale system. Despite its modest size, the company also has a team of in-house software engineers dedicated to development of a proprietary operations portal to help streamline operations. In addition to these successful business practices, District Taco has supported the communities in which they operate. They often contribute food donations to schools, caregivers, first responders, essential workers and others in need. District Taco continues to receive accolades and recognition for its outstanding service and quality.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 238 words used.
District Taco's achievements are noteworthy for setting the brand apart in the competitive fast-casual dining industry. The strategic expansion into new locations reflects the brand's ability to identify prime markets and demonstrates a proactive approach to meeting consumer demand. District Taco is also committed to strengthening the community and the members within them. With community events and dedicated sponsorships, District Taco aims to be an active member of the areas they serve by creating a safe, inclusive, and healthy environment.
As the fast-casual industry evolves, District Taco has continued to focus on serving clean, fresh, and authentic Mexican food. With a commitment to locally sourced and high-quality ingredients, District Taco aligns with consumer preferences for responsible and mindful dining. Similarly, with a menu crafted to accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options, District Taco has met the growing demand for healthier choices.
“By embracing sustainable practices and promoting transparency in our sourcing methods, District Taco has not only met the expectations of environmentally conscious consumers, but also contributes to a larger movement within the fast-casual industry towards responsible and mindful dining” said District Taco CEO, Osiris Hoil. The integration of technology in their stores and mobile app has enhanced convenience and improved the customer experience. As District Taco continues to pioneer in the fast-casual dining world, they are embodying the American dream through hard work, innovation, and commitment for excellence and growth in 2024 and beyond.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 30 words used.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/using-his-moms-recipes-this-mexican-immigrant-became-the-dc-taco-king/2016/01/07/99d18c70-b410-11e5-a76a-0b5145e8679a_story.html?utm_term=.d78e2b5b1999
https://www.arlnow.com/2012/12/05/citizenship-at-last-for-district-taco-founder/
https://www.ffxnow.com/2023/08/22/district-taco-opens-in-mclean-kicking-off-franchise-era/
https://www.nrn.com/fast-casual/district-taco-announces-10-unit-development-deal-throughout-new-york-and-new-jersey
https://www.foodtruckoperator.com/articles/how-district-taco-grew-from-a-food-cart-to-a-franchise-powerhouse/
https://rddmag.com/design/4078-new-faces-of-fast-casual-district-taco
https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/district-taco-celebrates-another-year-of-growth/
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