Teen’s Taco Shop Rescued from Closure by Viral Video
April 15, 2026
A little over two weeks ago, the future looked bleak for 19-year-old Alexander Quinones, owner of Detroit Loves Tacos 2 in Taylor, Michigan. Faced with the possibility of having to close his doors, Quinones now finds himself managing long lines of eager customers, demonstrating how community support can ignite new hope.
Alexander Quinones / WRTV / ABC News
Back in November, Quinones launched his taco shop using $5,000 from personal savings, graduation gifts, and assistance from his mother, Julie Stevens. This was an ambitious step for someone who had just finished high school, yet it aligned with a dream he had harbored since he was 12, inspired during his time spent at the original Detroit Loves Tacos linked with his mother’s catering business.
Despite his dedication, financial struggles were mounting. Quinones was just getting by, covering daily costs and paying his sole employee. Then, a tough reality set in.
“We had a difficult discussion that day. We’re gonna have to close if something doesn’t give,” Stevens said.
The thought of closing was devastating for Quinones.
“I felt like I was failing in life a little bit. I put all my money into this, I put all my time into this. So it really, really hurt me,” he confided.
Determined not to concede defeat, Quinones turned to social media, producing a concise 30-second TikTok clip to narrate his journey and the essence of his business.
“No shortcuts, no big investors, just me working every single day, long nights with a vision,” he emphasized. “Everything is made fresh with love and ready to serve.”
What he anticipated to be a modest exposure effort turned into a transformative moment.
The following day, the video had gone viral, amassing over 430,000 views and attracting a flood of encouraging comments. But the boost was not just online; people began flocking from various regions, drawn to Michigan from states like Ohio and Minnesota, and even Canada, eager to taste the tacos and support Quinones’ venture.
“It was like a blessing,” Stevens reflected on their swift success.
Many devoted hours to the journey just to experience the tacos firsthand.
“This place is great,” one patron remarked, while another added, “Worth the drive.”
Instead of closing threats, Quinones now faces the challenge of meeting growing demand, with daily sellouts becoming the norm.
“All I thought was a simple video, just to get my name out there,” he said. “I’m so grateful… I try and make sure that I have enough inventory, just to feed everybody.”
His mother has joined him in the kitchen again, proud of the diligence her son has consistently exhibited.
“He is the first one in, the last one to leave,” she noted. “His work ethic has always been stellar.”
For Quinones, the effort is worthwhile.
“Restaurant’s like my passion. I love serving people with food. I love seeing their smiles. It means the world to me,” he explained.
His story is a compelling example of perseverance, showing that surrender isn’t the only path. With one impromptu idea and community belief, new beginnings can emerge.
