Fort Wayne, Indiana – A judge’s ruling declaring that tacos and burritos are Mexican-style sandwiches has paved the way for the opening of a new restaurant in the city. Martin Quintana, a Mexican immigrant, has been fighting for three years to open his second The Famous Taco location in Fort Wayne, a bustling city in northeastern Indiana.
The legal battle began when Quintana faced restrictions on the type of food his restaurant could offer due to an initial commitment for the development at a plaza he owns. The commitment limited the business to selling “made-to-order” or “subway-style” sandwiches. After encountering objections from a local association, Quintana sought to amend the proposal to allow for the inclusion of Mexican-style food items such as tacos and burritos.
Despite the Fort Wayne Plan Commission denying his proposed amendment, Quintana persisted and took the matter to court. Allen Superior Court Judge Craig Bobay ultimately ruled in Quintana’s favor, determining that the original commitment did not restrict the restaurant to American cuisine-style sandwiches only and that tacos and burritos could be considered Mexican-style sandwiches.
Quintana, expressing relief over the legal victory, looks forward to opening his second restaurant in Fort Wayne, a city with a population of approximately 270,000 residents. As an immigrant who began his journey in the U.S. as a farmworker before entering the restaurant industry, Quintana’s success story is a testament to hard work and perseverance.
The new family-owned The Famous Taco restaurant is set to open in a few months, offering customers the opportunity to customize their tacos, burritos, and even tortas – Mexican sandwiches made with bread. Quintana’s dedication to providing high-quality Mexican cuisine to the community showcases his passion and commitment to honoring his cultural roots.
In the end, Quintana’s legal battle highlights the challenges faced by small business owners in navigating regulations and restrictions, but also underscores the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and traditions. The upcoming opening of The Famous Taco in Fort Wayne serves as a beacon of hope and success for Quintana and the local community.