A unique pairing of tacos and ice cream has come to Fitchburg as El Gran Taco Gato officially opened on March 7.
Community members came out in support of the new Latina-owned business that brings the sweet and savory to the table. Started by Arcelia Araiza, she always thought the combination of ice cream and Mexican food would pair greatly together. Now she has own shop and her family behind the counter with eyes already set on the future of her business.
“I always like ice cream. I always liked tacos. So I was like ‘Why not tacos and ice cream,’” Araiza said. “It’s a compliment for the tacos. Maybe after tacos, get ice cream?”
(Photo by Omar Waheed.)
Behind the counter is a variety of flavors to choose from with its 16 spots for various ice creams and six bins of popsicles all made by Araiza. She currently makes them in a kitchen separate from the shop with plans to be able to make everything in-house.
Outside the store is where all the hot food is made. A bright red food truck serves up tacos, quesadillas and burritos that can be ordered from inside.
The interior of the building is bright and colorful to capture an ice cream parlor feel. Polkadots line the walls with bright graphics of smiling ice creams and cats. The napkin dispensers are all in the shape of cats. El Gran Taco Gato’s seats are a combo of old Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt remnants, brightly colored pastel chairs, two giant red inflatable gummy bears and booths and hightops across its 20 tables.
Araiza hopes to be able to expand facilities in the shop to accommodate making the trucks’ food inside. In the meantime, the food truck will remain in front of the store and make rounds during the summer near parks and at events. She plans to add the ability to serve her homemade ice creams on the truck soon.
El Gran Taco Gato is located at 5266 Williamsburg Way in Fitchburg. It is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
