Los Tacos No. 1 Secures Private Equity Investment from TSG
New York's Los Tacos No. 1 has received a strategic investment from private-equity firm TSG Consumer to support its growth.
Los Tacos No. 1 has secured a strategic investment from the private-equity firm TSG Consumer. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the specific stake TSG will hold in the emerging taco brand remains unknown.
According to a statement from the brand's founders, the search for an investment partner was driven by a desire to maintain authenticity. "Staying true to that has guided every decision as we've grown, and it's why finding the right partner mattered so much," said cofounders Christian Pineda, Tyler Sanders, Kyle Cameron, and chief operating partner Jacobo Ackerman. They added that TSG shares their belief that more cities deserve authentic tacos.
Leadership and Growth Strategy
The company confirmed that cofounder and CEO Christian Pineda and chief operating partner Jacobo Ackerman will continue to lead day-to-day operations. TSG is described as both a financial investor and a strategic partner. The firm's stated goal is to support thoughtful growth while preserving the food and distinctive taco-shop experience that defines the brand.
Colin Welch, managing director and head of New York at TSG, praised the brand's foundation. "Los Tacos No. 1 has built an incredibly loyal following by mastering the fundamentals, exceptional food and an experience people genuinely connect with," he said in a statement.
Current Operations and Brand History
Los Tacos No. 1 was founded in 2013 with a stand in New York City's Chelsea Market. The founders, hailing from Tijuana and San Diego, started the business because they could not find tacos in New York that tasted like the ones they grew up with. The brand now operates 10 locations across Manhattan.
It also runs a sister seafood concept called Los Mariscos, located in the original Chelsea Market space. That concept is known for its Baja-style fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and ceviche.
TSG's Investment Portfolio
TSG Consumer Partners has a history of investing in high-growth food and beverage brands. Its portfolio includes companies such as Pura Vida Miami, Dutch Bros coffee, Yard House, and the retail arm of Stumptown Roasters. The investment in Los Tacos No. 1 adds a fast-casual Mexican concept to this list.
Advisors involved in the transaction included East Wind Advisors, which served as financial advisor to Los Tacos No. 1. Legal counsel was provided by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Pryor Cashman LLP for the taco brand, while Ropes & Gray LLP advised TSG.
