When Danny and Vilexis Cruz opened their first Tacos del Cartel in Metairie in 2020, it was to show their deep respect and love for Mexican culture. Today, they operate three active restaurant locations and are in the process of opening two more, one in West Palm Beach, Fla., and one scheduled to open in February 2026 in Delray Beach, Fla. The Metairie location recently reopened following renovations.
“We relaunched it in May with a renewed concept,” Danny says, “marking a new beginning for that emblematic location.”
Tacos del Cartel has been successful for a number of reasons. First, the restaurant blends Mexican ingredients with the Japanese techniques of precision and presentation to elevate the experience. Second, the interior design—which is immersive, distinctive and meticulously detailed—invites celebration. Finally, there’s a dedication to top-notch service and hospitality, aiming to make every customer feel at home. Each location shares the same menu—developed by Culinary Director, Chef Atzin Santos—as a way to offer a consistent, high-quality experience across the board.
“For us, being successful Hispanic entrepreneurs is both an honor and a big responsibility,” Danny says. “We come from humble beginnings, and the road hasn’t been easy, but we’ve always believed in the power of hard work, faith and clear vision. Representing our community means opening doors, proving that it’s possible, and elevating what it means to be Latino business leaders in the United States.”
“Our advice is simple: don’t wait for everything to be perfect to start,” Danny says. “Believe in yourself, even when no one else does. The road of entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It all starts with a firm vision, daily discipline, and a supportive network.”
Further explaining their recipe for success, Danny says, “Everything we do, we do with purpose. It’s not just about opening restaurants, building companies, or expanding a business group. It’s about inspiring others and proving that dreams can come true through faith, sacrifice, and vision.”
He adds, “As Hispanics, we’ve learned to carve our own path, turn obstacles into opportunities, and make every project part of a greater legacy. And even as we celebrate how far we’ve come, we believe the best is yet to come. Our commitment is to keep growing, creating, and proudly representing our Latino community in everything we do.”
Looking toward the future, Danny and Vilexis are working to bring Tacos del Cartel to strategic cities in the U.S., such as Dallas; Atlanta; Scottsdale; Denver; Charlotte, N.C., and additional locations in Florida.
