After 18 years working in the local restaurant industry, Cordova resident David Hernandez and two partners have opened Ricos Tacos & ‘Ritas in Arlington with a goal of bringing authentic Mexican food to the growing community. 

“I have a lot of friends who live in Arlington, and we have a lot of customers who want an authentic Mexican taco and other food,” said Hernandez. “Arlington is growing, and it’s one of the top suburbs in Memphis.”

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Ricos, which opened April 6, is the first restaurant for Hernandez and his two partners.

Originally from Colombia, South America, Hernandez moved to the Memphis area in 2003. In the years leading up to starting his business, Hernandez attended classes at Southwest Tennessee Community College and earned a degree in business administration.

“Opening a restaurant is what I always wanted,” Hernandez said. “What I learned at Southwest helped a lot with knowing how to open a business.”

His two partners (Martin Alvarez and one person who wished to not be named), are from Mexico, so the trio knows a thing or two about traditional Mexican food and beverages.

The trio, who all work at the restaurant, honed their skills over almost two decades at various area Mexican restaurants.

Their signature tacos are available with six different types of meat: steak, chicken, carnitas, chorizo, shrimp or Al Pastor (a traditional Mexican recipe of thin tenderized, seasoned and marinated pork), and the menu even features a favorite Mexican dessert, Tres Leches.

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The space at 11875 U.S. 70, Ste. 103, seats around 50 and has a full bar, including Mexican beers like Corona, Dos Equis and Modelo. A drive-thru allows for easy order pick-up.

Ricos, which Hernandez points out means “great dish” or “delicious,” joins a wave of new restaurants coming to Arlington, including the It’s a wRAPP deli that opened at 6011 Airline Rd. Recently, a Waffle House opened on the north side of U.S. 70 east of Airline Road, and a Taco Bell finished construction and opened its doors at 5228 Airline Rd. There’s a planned Whataburger at the southwest corner of Milton Wilson Boulevard and Airline.

“Our area restaurants have had a couple very challenging years through the pandemic, but the owners have proven to be resilient and determined to serve the citizens of Arlington with great options for dining,” Arlington Chamber of Commerce Director Tonia Howell said. “David opening Ricos now, I think, signals that strength and determination.” 

For now, Hernandez plans to concentrate on growing the Arlington restaurant with no immediate plans for further expansion.