‘Juan More Taco’ Says Goodbye to Fredericksburg, Leaves Loyal Fans Hungry for More

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Taco lovers along Caroline Street are disappointed as word spreads that Juan More Taco is closing its doors in Fredericksburg.

The locally loved taco shop, tucked in a historic 1825 building at the corner of George and Caroline streets, announced on May 2 that it will close after six years in business. Owner Maria Martin shared that lease negotiations with the landlord fell through, forcing her and her son, Jose, to shut down the popular eatery.

“It’s been a community, a dream, and a second home,” Martin wrote in her announcement.

Customers Heartbroken Over Closure

Jessica and her friend Leesha, two regulars walking along Caroline Street last week, summed up the community’s reaction in one word: “mad.”

“Everybody is not happy,” Leesha added, saying the closure would leave a noticeable hole in Fredericksburg’s social and food scene. The two said they would especially miss a specific signature corn dish that became a customer favorite.

“Juan More Taco is my favorite. When I come down for lunch, this is my spot,” said customer Jennifer Taylor, who praised the restaurant’s Honduran-inspired dish as “unique, a little bit different.” She called the shop “a fixture” in Old Town.

Behind the counter, Aaron, a dedicated employee who “never missed a day” in his two years on staff, spent the days following the announcement listening to emotional customers express their disappointment.

“I used to do the elderly meal delivery,” said Jessica, recalling the shop’s community service during the pandemic.

More Than Just Tacos

Juan More Taco was more than just a place to grab a quick lunch. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the business provided more than 45,000 meals to elderly residents in the community. The shop also celebrated the city’s monthly First Fridays, offered front-row seating for the annual Christmas parade, and even “adopted” a mailman named Eddy, who regularly stopped by with a smile.

Social Media Reactions Pour In

The community’s disappointment extended to social media, where more than 250 comments poured in after the announcement.

“We love your tacos and will hunt you down!” wrote one fan.

“I can’t imagine Caroline Street without you,” wrote another.

Elaine Cooper-Sherwin took aim at rising downtown rents: “Very unfortunate. The rent in downtown is outrageous. I guess the owners would rather have an empty storefront.”

Kristy Walker Vann added, “Sad to see another good business go. You supported the community in so many ways, and we will never forget that.”

Roberta Davis Corbin thanked the shop for being “a staple during Covid for the nurses. I’m forever thankful for that!”

Growing Competition Adds Pressure

Fredericksburg’s growing food scene has added competitive pressure in recent years. Soup and Taco recently opened across the street, joining its sister restaurant, Soup and Taco II, on William Street. Other newcomers include Anita’s Coffee and Sandwiches on Caroline Street and Galvin’s Deli on William Street.

Whether there are enough customers to sustain all these eateries remains to be seen.

What’s Next for Juan More Taco?

While the Fredericksburg location is closing, fans can still find Juan More Taco in Richmond at 304 N. Robinson Street. The shop also operates a food truck that may pop up at future Fredericksburg events.

For more information, call 804-537-8226.