At 19, Taylor High School graduate Alex Quinones is running a business of his own, Detroit Loves Tacos 2.

The restaurant grew out of years spent working alongside his mother and stepfather at the original Detroit Loves Tacos on Fort Street. Quinones said he started helping when he was young and gradually learned every part of the operation, from food prep to cooking recipes that had been passed down through his family.

“Growing up, I watched my mom work incredibly hard to follow her dream, and that inspired me to follow mine,” Quinones said.

After graduating from Taylor High School, he decided to open a restaurant in the community where he was raised. Using money he had saved, Quinones launched Detroit Loves Tacos 2 with a focus on serving fresh Mexican food made from scratch.

Like many new business owners, he quickly ran into challenges. Rising food costs and slower-than-expected sales put pressure on the restaurant during its early months.

“There was a point where my mom and I were talking about whether we could keep going,” Quinones said. “At 19 years old, I felt like I was failing.”

Hoping to bring in a few more customers, Quinones posted a TikTok about his family's journey in the restaurant business. The response was far bigger than he expected. The video reached thousands of viewers and introduced the restaurant to customers from across Michigan.

“The video wasn’t meant to go viral,” he said. “I just wanted people to know we were here.”

The attention gave the business a boost and helped Detroit Loves Tacos 2 build a following far beyond Taylor. Since sharing his story, Quinones has been featured on WXYZ-TV Channel 7, thrown out a ceremonial first pitch for the Detroit Tigers, and even welcomed a visit from Detroit native Jack White of The White Stripes. Those moments, among many others, reflect how much the restaurant's reach has grown since its early struggles. Quinones believes the restaurant's connection to family is what resonates with many customers.

“We’re more than just a taco restaurant—we’re a family story,” he said.

Among the menu's most popular items are the birria tacos, served with consommé for dipping. Quinones said the dish has become a customer favorite and is often what first-time visitors come in to try.

As he looks to the future, Quinones hopes to grow the business, open additional locations, and eventually add a taco truck. He also hopes his experience encourages other young people to pursue their own business ideas.

“My biggest piece of advice is to not let your age stop you from chasing your goals,” he said. “If you’re willing to work hard, stay consistent and believe in yourself, anything is possible.”

For Quinones, the restaurant is about more than food. It's a chance to build something of his own while continuing the family business that inspired him in the first place.


Detroit Loves Tacos 2 is located at 25750 Ecorse Road in Taylor. Business hours are Mondays–Fridays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon–8 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. To follow Alex Quinones’ journey and stay updated on Detroit Loves Tacos 2, find them on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook@DetroitLovesTacos2.