The Grand Rapids Downtown Market, home to a vibrant Market Hall, award-winning event spaces, year-round public events, and Grand Rapids’ largest holiday tradition, the Christkindl Markt, today announces its newest tenant that will be joining the Market Hall, GR Taco Shop. The locally-owned Mexican food concept will open this fall, bringing family recipes and bold flavors to the heart of Grand Rapids.

Owned by Ashley Cano, GR Taco Shop is a new concept inspired by her experience as co-owner of El Toro Bravo, a popular Mexican restaurant that has served the Wyoming community for the past 10 years. The new location marks Cano’s expansion into downtown Grand Rapids and an opportunity to introduce more guests to her family’s recipes and flavors.

Market Hall guests can expect familiar favorites such as tacos and burritos, along with traditional dishes including tortas, specialty burritos, all offered with a variety of protein options.

Beyond its daily menu, the shop will provide full-service catering for events of all sizes. An expansive catering menu will feature a broader selection of traditional Mexican dishes, giving guests even more ways to experience the family’s food.

“We are thrilled to expand our business with GR Taco Shop and join the Market Hall at the Downtown Market,” said Cano. “This new concept gives us the opportunity to share our family recipes, fresh dishes and bold flavors with even more people. We cannot wait to welcome guests and become part of the Downtown Market community.”

GR Taco Shop will open in the space currently occupied by Tacos El Cuñado. After 13 years as an original Market Hall merchant, Tacos El Cuñado will conclude its time at the Downtown Market at the end of August. 

The Downtown Market was intentionally created with a mission to strengthen and expand the local food economy in Grand Rapids. A crucial element in fulfilling that purpose is providing local food entrepreneurs with a platform to refine their concepts, cultivate a loyal customer base, and gain the practical experience required to operate a successful, longstanding business. That foundation positions businesses to build sustainable brands and grow toward standalone brick-and-mortar locations. When a business reaches that stage, it signals the fulfillment of the Market’s founding vision and stands as a success worthy of celebration.

 

“Transitions like this demonstrate the role a public market can play in building a stronger local food economy,” Fritz said. “We are grateful for all Mario and the Tacos El Cuñado team have contributed during their time at the Downtown Market, and we wish them continued success. Growth is essential to a thriving food economy, and as local businesses advance to their next chapter, new opportunities are created for other small businesses and food entrepreneurs to build something of their own.”

 

To learn more about available spaces at the Downtown Market, visit downtownmarketgr.com/leasing.