Meet Sharon Haynes and Marivel Gomez of Tacos A Go Go

Tacos A Go Go opened in 2006 without a bang in Midtown Houston. In fact, almost no one noticed this tiny Tex Mex taqueria. And really, did Houston need another taqueria? Probably not. But founder Sharon Haynes thought maybe so after seeing the small space for lease on Main Street next to the iconic Continental Club. Of course, the spot had its drawbacks. I mean who opens a restaurant in Houston with no parking?! But she believed that the right combination of a rockabilly vibe, old school Mexican kitsch and simple, no nonsense food made from scratch every day would put a unique Texas twist on a typical taco shop. And soon, Houston learned about this little shop because the Mex in their Tex, Marivel Gomez, knows tacos. A native of Hidalgo, she began cooking at the age of six for her large family. In her kitchen back home, they made everything from scratch with no electricity— and Tacos A Go Go does the same (but with the lights on!).

In time, the taco shop on Main got a rep (the good kind). They’ve won “Best Breakfast Taco” in the Houston Press most years they’ve been open, as well as “Best Guacamole” and “Best Taco”, and made Texas Monthly’s list of “Tacos You Must Eat Before You Die” twice (that’s rarified air!).

Today they are five locations and expanding into even more locations in the Houston area.

We asked Founder Sharon Haynes and chef/partner Marivel Gomez some questions about their journey together.

Has it been a smooth road?
No! But few small businesses are! We had NO parking at our first location which was a crazy business decision for a Houston start-up restaurant! It was very slow going at first with [Sharon] working long hours as a cashier at the front counter, but as word of mouth spread more and more people learned about our amazing tacos! And now, this location is our busiest!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tacos A Go Go – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
We’re most proud of the fact we started with a single, 1400 square foot taco shop and now we have five locations! Great, authentic tacos and breakfast tacos all day! What sets us apart is our authenticity…we source flavors from what you would find on the streets in Mexico, thanks to our most amazing chef, Marivel! [Marivel then chimes in with a big smile: Our food is made with love and you can taste that!]

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
That’s easy! We love the diversity the most! It’s hard to find a city with more than we have here. And what’s lacking? We wish there was more green space to relax in!