DECC’s ‘Taco Fest’ Faces Criticism For Not Including Local Mexican Restaurants
DECC officials said its kitchen-prepared event will break even and support staff during slow summer months.
DULUTH, Minn. – The DECC’s first-ever Taco Festival is drawing some criticism because the event does not include any local Mexican restaurants.
The DECC describes the event as “a festival-style taco extravaganza,” “a street party with tacos,” and “signature margaritas.”
The Taco Fest is happening outside Pioneer Hall Saturday, July 6, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The DECC’s kitchen is crafting up 20 different varieties of tacos.
Meanwhile, for Erika Aranda, owner of Pedro’s Grill and Cantina, she told FOX 21 Wednesday that she has no problem with the DECC’s food but believes a taco festival would be better with local authentic Mexican restaurants.
Aranda said she would be happy to pay to be a part of it, too.
“I’m not seeing their food as bad. I’m sure it’s great … I eat there all the time. I’m just saying, you know, people were a little disappointed to hear that none of the local … traditional restaurants were going to be there,” Aranda said. “We’ve been getting phone calls for even customers that come to the restaurant and asking how come we’re not going to be on the Taco Fest?”
DECC Statement
The DECC posted a lengthy statement on its social media Wednesday afternoon in response to the criticism.
The post said the DECC appreciates the passion to support local restaurants, but that Taco Fest will only break even.
The statement went on to say the fest is really a way to help support the kitchen staff during the slower summer months.
“…we didn’t ask local food trucks or restaurants because doing so would have dramatically increased our costs, and the event would most likely have lost money,” according to the DECC’s post. “…we sincerely do not want to hurt any of them by selling tacos for a few hours. Our hope is that visitors coming to our event, find these and other great businesses during their stay.”
