We, Walter and Deborah Blake, started Taco Tierra in Mount Carmel in 1977, opening on August 6th of that year. The lot on which the original building was built was the site of a used car lot owned by the Carlton family. The original building was 20 feet by 30 feet and seated 18 which is very small by today’s standards. To the south was Smitty’s Barber Shop with apartments over and behind the shop. To the south of Smitty’s was a two-story house that was owned by W.A.V.E. Over time these two properties were purchased and the buildings removed so the original Taco building could be enlarged. Additional parking was added, as there were only eight parking spaces on the original lot. We positioned the very small building on the small lot in a way to incorporate a new concept called a ‘drive up window’, the first one in town.

Since Mexican quick service food was in its infancy and not well known nationally at the time, we felt we needed to have a taste profile that was different from the more common American fare of burgers and fries, fried chicken, and pizza. We wanted products that were Mexican in origin and unique, tasty, and flavorful in taste. At the same time, we did not want items that were too spicy for children or those with sensitive palates and those more accustomed to typical American food. This how and why we call our food Mexican-American and put that as part of our logo, with the tag line “Put a little spice in your life.”

Currently we also own a Taco Tierra in Princeton that was opened on May 26, 1978 and another in Fairfield that was opened on June 6, 1984. Our son Michael and his wife Amy own a Taco Tierra in Evansville which opened on July 5, 2006.

We are thankful each and every day for the good fortune we have had and are keenly aware that this has only been possible with the hard work and dedication of our employees and the support of the communities in which we are located.

The Blakes have once again added to the original Taco Tierra building, this time adding an outdoor patio seating area. Be sure to stop by and see what’s new and watch for 30th Anniversary specials during the month of August.