Mijos Tacos expands with brick-and-mortar location, bar partnership in 5 Points

NFL player Will Hernandez and Derek Elmendorff, former roommates at UTEP, are bringing their Mijos Tacos food truck operation into a permanent brick-and-mortar location in El Paso's 5 Points neighborhood, according to KVIA. The two launched the food truck over a year ago and are now partnering with El Luchador, a bar opening next door to their first fixed location.

Hernandez, originally from Las Vegas, said most of his close circle now lives in El Paso. "We're bringing experiences, we're bringing in influencers, we're bringing NFL players, we're bringing a lot to that bar, and the community is going to get to enjoy that with us as well," Hernandez said, according to KVIA. Elmendorff added that the restaurant aims to leverage El Paso's food reputation while creating memorable experiences for customers.

The pair are awaiting permits before opening, but expect the location to launch in time for the NFL football season. "We want to become a familiar face where people feel comfortable to come and eat, enjoy our food, watch the games, watch Will on NFL Sunday," Elmendorff said, according to KVIA. General Manager Robert Galvez praised their approach to staff. "Some people, some of some restaurants don't care about their employees, but these guys do," Galvez said, according to KVIA.

Hernandez said his commitment extends beyond the restaurant. "Whether it's a taco truck, whether it's a football camp or whether it's actually being able to work with these kids one on one, I just want to better the community in general, starting with El Paso," he said, according to KVIA.