Los Tacos No. 1 will be growing soon. Los Tacos No. 1
Los Tacos No. 1 — the Tijuana-style taco brand that got its start in 2013 at a stand in New York City’s Chelsea Market — announced it received a strategic investment from private-equity firm TSG Consumer. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed, and it is unknown if TSG Consumer will act as a majority or minority investor in the emerging brand.
TSG Consumer has backed several high-growth brands including Pura Vida Miami Dutch Bros, Yard House, and the retail arm of Stumptown Roasters.
“When we moved to New York City, we couldn’t find good tacos that tasted like the ones we grew up with, so we set out to change that,” Los Tacos cofounders Christian Pineda, Tyler Sanders, Kyle Cameron, and chief operating partner Jacobo Ackerman said in a statement. “Staying true to that has guided every decision as we’ve grown, and it’s why finding the right partner mattered so much. TSG shares our belief that more cities deserve authentic tacos like these.”
Los Tacos No. 1 confirmed that the founders will continue lead day-to-day operations while TSG will be both a financial investor and strategic partner.
The taco brand currently operates 10 locations across Manhattan, as well as Los Mariscos, its sister seafood concept in Chelsea Market that is known for Baja-style fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and ceviche.
TSG’s goal will be to “support thoughtful growth” while “preserving the food and distinctive taco-shop experience.”
“Los Tacos No. 1 has built an incredibly loyal following by mastering the fundamentals — exceptional food and an experience people genuinely connect with,” Colin Welch, managing director and head of New York at TSG, said in a statement. “Christian, Tyler, Kyle, Ja and the entire team have created something rare and hard to build: a brand people feel a real connection to.”
East Wind Advisors served as the financial advisor to Los Tacos and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Pryor Cashman LLP served as legal counsel. Ropes & Gray LLP provided legal counsel to TSG for the transaction.
