Hagerstown embraces taqueria relocating to city after arson in Gaithersburg

HAGERSTOWN, Md. ( DC News Now ) — The food scene in Hagerstown is taking on a Mexican accent with a new taqueria in the city’s south end.

But it took some rebuilding after the original location of the taco stand was set on fire.

Arson destroyed Raul Valdivia’s business in Gaithersburg but he was determined to rebuild and western Maryland has embraced his venture.

Valdivia set out to get his livelihood back and and get his team back in the kitchen and behind the counter.

“I was motivated to come to Hagerstown and get my employees back to work,” Valdivia said. “And we’re here, they’re on the job and are helping me out!”

Emily Conrad with the City of Hagerstown’s economic development team made an overture to rebuild his business in western Maryland, even offering some help from municipal coffers.

“The city has incentive programs to attract developers, for example, and businesses looking to grow,” Conrad said. “But actually, when we approached the Valdivia family, they wanted to proceed here without taking advantage of any of our programs or incentives.”

Conrad is excited about Takito Taco Bar’s location in the city’s south-end neighborhood.

“I just love the location they chose,” Conrad said. “It had previously been vacant and it is such a good spot for them with their drive-thru and walk-up space and the outdoor seating area.”

Valdivia said his food is made with love.

“All I can say is that our authentic Mexican-style tacos are made with a lot of love and a lot of dedication from my team in the kitchen,” he said. “It’s a culture with us, not just the food.”

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