District Taco, which started out as a humble food cart serving Rosslyn, Crystal City and other Arlington locales, plans to open its much-awaited brick-and-mortar restaurant in Rosslyn in early January.
The growing local Mexican food chain says its Rosslyn grand opening will be held starting at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 8. The restaurant will offer a complimentary meal for all active duty military personnel from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on that day.
“District Taco expects a positive turnout so it is best to arrive prior to the opening time,” the company said. A percentage of sales made that day will also be donated to the Association of the United States Army.
The Rosslyn District Taco is located at 1500 Wilson Blvd, below the new Target store. The company did not say whether the restaurant will open its doors for a “soft opening” before Jan. 8.
In a press release, District Taco notes that by the time the Rosslyn restaurant opens, the company will employ more than 300 workers. It’s a true American success story for co-owner Osiris Hoil, an immigrant who started the District Taco cart after being laid off from a construction job during the recession.
The seventh brick-and-mortar restaurant brings nostalgia to Co-Owner, Osiris Hoil, as he was the only employee running the food cart when it launched six years ago. After Rosslyn opens, more than 300 workers will be employed at District Taco.
Hoil says, “We wanted to go back to Rosslyn because this place means a lot to us. The first day I took the cart out, I went to Rosslyn. This is where DT evolved — with our customers there. I was able to test new recipes and start a social media following. We stopped going to Rosslyn with the taco cart because we wanted to focus on our [brick and mortar] locations, but now we have come back and we’re here to stay for a long time!” Construction has begun for restaurants in Tenleytown and Bailey’s Crossroads. Leases for three more locations, including an expansion to Maryland, are in process.