About Taco Time
From a small family kitchen in Springfield to a beloved taco time destination — discover the passion, people, and purpose behind every bold bite we serve.
Flavor
Where taco time Began
Taco Time was born in 2012 from a simple conviction: great Mexican-inspired food should be accessible, honest, and made with pride. Our founders, Marco and Elena Rivera, started with a single food cart on Main Street in Springfield, Oregon, serving handcrafted tacos to hungry neighbors who quickly became loyal fans.
What started as a humble tacotime passion project grew into a full-service restaurant rooted in community and authenticity. Every recipe is a tribute to family traditions — bold spices, fresh tortillas, and ingredients sourced from local Oregon farms whenever the season allows.
Today, Taco Time is more than a restaurant. It is a gathering place where families celebrate, friends reconnect, and every guest leaves satisfied. Our kitchen is open, our flavors are real, and our doors are always welcoming.
- Family-founded and locally owned since 2012
- Fresh ingredients sourced from Oregon farms
- Handcrafted recipes passed down through generations
- Proud member of the Springfield community
Our Core Values
Passion for Food
Every dish is prepared with genuine care. We never rush flavor — we let ingredients shine the way they deserve to.
Fresh Ingredients
We source locally and seasonally, building menus around what is freshest, not what is cheapest. Quality is non-negotiable.
Community First
Springfield is home. We give back through local partnerships, school events, and making our space a true neighborhood gathering spot.
tacotime Excellence
From the first bite to the last sip, we pursue excellence in every detail — service, presentation, taste, and hospitality.
Honest Service
Transparent menus, fair pricing, and a team that genuinely cares about each guest's experience — honesty is baked into everything we do.
Sustainability
We minimize waste, compost kitchen scraps, and choose eco-friendly packaging to keep Springfield as beautiful as it deserves to be.
Creative Menus
We keep the classics alive while constantly exploring new flavor combinations. Seasonal specials keep taco time fresh and exciting.
Food Safety
Rigorous kitchen hygiene, certified food handlers, and consistent quality checks mean you can trust every meal we serve.
A Decade of Bold Flavors
From a single food cart to a full-service Springfield restaurant — every milestone shaped who we are today.
The First Cart
Marco and Elena Rivera launch a weekend taco cart on Main Street, Springfield. The first 50 tacos sell out in under two hours — and the taco time dream ignites.
Opening the Restaurant
Taco Time opens its first brick-and-mortar location at 265 Main St. The dining room fills nightly, and the menu expands to include burritos, bowls, and hand-pressed tortillas.
Farm Partnerships Begin
We formalize sourcing agreements with three local Oregon farms, ensuring seasonal freshness and supporting the agricultural community that feeds us all.
Community Recognition
Taco Time is awarded "Best Mexican Restaurant in Springfield" by the Lane County Dining Guide for the first time — a recognition we've earned three years running.
Adapting & Persisting
During challenging times, Taco Time pivots to contactless takeout and curbside pickup — maintaining our service standards and keeping our team employed throughout.
Online Ordering Launches
We introduce online ordering, making it easier than ever to bring Taco Time home. Catering services officially launch for weddings, corporate events, and parties.
Renovation & Expansion
A full dining room renovation doubles our seating capacity and introduces a dedicated event space for private taco time celebrations and corporate gatherings.
Still Growing, Always Grateful
Taco Time continues to serve Springfield and beyond with the same passion that started on that food cart in 2012. The best chapters are still being written.
Meet Our Team
Every great dish starts with a passionate person. Get to know the talented team that makes taco time what it is — bold, warm, and unforgettable.
Marco Rivera
Co-Founder & Executive ChefWith 20 years in kitchens across Oregon and Mexico City, Marco's recipes are the soul of Taco Time. His philosophy: honor the ingredient, trust the process.
Elena Rivera
Co-Founder & General ManagerElena is the warm heart that keeps Taco Time running smoothly. From managing the team to welcoming every guest personally, she defines what hospitality truly means.
James Caldwell
Head of Catering & EventsJames brings eight years of event catering experience to Taco Time. Whether it's an intimate gathering or a 200-person wedding, he makes every event a taco time celebration.
Sofia Nguyen
Sous Chef & Menu DeveloperSofia trained at culinary school in Portland and brings creative flair to Taco Time's seasonal menus. Her fusion twists keep the experience fresh without losing tradition.
Interested in joining our passionate team?
Get in Touch