Southwest Detroit Staple Finds New Permanent Home after Devastating Fire

Two years later, Taqueria El Rey will permanently reopen in the former El Zocalo space.
taqueria el ray new physical location detroit
Street view: Google Earth Pro

A fire forced longtime Southwest Detroit restaurant Taqueria El Rey to shut its doors. Since then, the restaurant has been operating out of Batch Brewery on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and running its food truck at the corner of 23rd and Vernor.

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However, the business has not strayed from its end goal of finding a new permanent home for a single day over the past two years. When El Zoco shut down recently, the opportunity finally presented itself. According to a Crain’s Detroit coverage, the restaurant will reopen at 3400 Bagley St later this summer.

Co-founder Daniel Fuentes said in an article on El Central Hispanic News that the restaurant’s menu will largely remain the same “with a few additions.” The restaurant will also evolve from its old-schooled cash-only format and begin to accept major debit and credit cards once the new location opens. Fuentes also mentioned that the team plans on opening up the entire space with the second floor reserved for “private events, parties, even nightclub-type events.”

What Now Detroit reached out to Fuentes but hadn’t heard back by the time of this coverage. The space was largely turnkey with the need for some equipment updates and a thorough cleanup.

Xiao daCunha

Xiao daCunha

Xiao Faria daCunha is a practicing visual artist and independent journalist covering what's happening in the Midwest belt. Xiao has written for Chicago Reader, BlockClub Chicago, BRIDGE Chicago, Urban Matter, The Pitch KC, and KCUR. She considers all her practices essential for speaking on behalf of those who haven't been heard, and she sheds light on what hasn't been seen, whether it's emotional, cultural or societal.
Xiao daCunha

Xiao daCunha

Xiao Faria daCunha is a practicing visual artist and independent journalist covering what's happening in the Midwest belt. Xiao has written for Chicago Reader, BlockClub Chicago, BRIDGE Chicago, Urban Matter, The Pitch KC, and KCUR. She considers all her practices essential for speaking on behalf of those who haven't been heard, and she sheds light on what hasn't been seen, whether it's emotional, cultural or societal.

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