Taco Empire reopens after December kitchen fire: 'Call it a comeback'

JaNae Williams, The OklahomanTue, May 5, 2026 at 10:06 AM UTC

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When flames tore through the kitchen at Taco Empire in mid-December, owners Pilar Esparza and her husband, Jose Carlos Cornejo, were devastated to watch the restaurant they'd worked for years to bring to life close overnight.

The fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen, forcing a four and a half month closure for repairs. During that time, the couple went back to their roots, operating their food truck and spending time planning for the future of their "empire."

Now the restaurant is back, and the staff is serving up flavorful tacos, tortas, bowls and more at 7000 NW 122 Street once again.

Tacos are prepared at Taco Empire in Oklahoma City in this Oklahoman file photo. The restaurant has been remodeled and is back open following a kitchen fire in December that caused extensive damage.

Esparza told The Oklahoman that while opening weekend didn't bring quite as much business as she'd hoped — possibly due to a number of festivals and special events around town for Cinco de Mayo — she is looking forward to continued growth in the future as she and Cornejo look to expand the brand.

She added that the restaurant's online ordering system is currently not up and running and hopes that people will be patient with them and visit in person to enjoy Taco Empire.

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"We are going through some updates and at this moment we are not taking orders online," she said. "Everything happens for a reason and we are very happy with the new design."

What's on the menu at Taco Empire?

Taco Empire's menu features standard items, including tacos, bowls and tortas with any number of flavorful proteins to choose from. Tacos are served on delicious blue corn tortillas and there are even vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

But don't miss out on the restaurant's star menu items like quesabroso tacos and quesabirria or one of the signature meat preparations, adobada — marinated pork in a mix of dried chiles, orange juice and spices served with diced onions and cilantro — and the Papas Adobadas, a seasoned potato side, are a must-try that makes any meal better.

The restaurant also has a wide selection of margaritas and other alcoholic beverages available to complement your meal.

Taco Empire is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Taco Empire in OKC reopens after December kitchen fire

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