Countdown to the 27th Staging of the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards

Principal

Melissa Ruelas

A history of the company

The history of Taco Spot in Montego Bay is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of its founders, Leonor and Martin and their family, who brought their Mexican culinary traditions to Jamaica. The establishment began as a family-owned business, offering authentic Mexican street tacos and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Over time, Taco Spot expanded to include a variety of Mexican dishes and became a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The establishment’s commitment to preserving and sharing Mexican culture through food has made it a beloved part of Montego Bay’s culinary scene.

The range of new products

Our products are locally made in Montego Bay. The products we offer for retailers and wholesalers are:

1. Chicken Flautas – rolled Chicken Tacos, precooked and packaged frozen, ready to fry and serve with your favourite salsas, dressings or sides. Available in three different sizes. Sold per dozen or in a pack of 60 pieces.

2. Tamales – corn dough steam cooked in banana leaves, and stuffed with pork, chicken or vegetables. Sold frozen in a pack of 20 pieces.

3. Tortillas – Mexico’s Flat Bread staple. Commonly known as ‘Taco Shells’. 100% gluten-free and vegan-friendly. Also, the base for different Mexican dishes, like Flautas, Enchiladas, Chilaquiles, etc. Available in two different sizes (4” or 6”) and sold frozen per kilogram.

4. Corn Sopes – Corn dough shaped into thick, round cakes with raised edges. 100% gluten- free and vegan-friendly. Packaged frozen and sold per dozen or in a pack of 60 pieces.

5. Pre-cooked Churros – Vegan Sweet Treats sold pre-cooked, ready to fry and served as wished. Sold frozen per dozen or in a pack of 60 pieces.

Where the ingredients are sourced

Fresh fruits and vegetables are sourced locally, as well as raw proteins like chicken, pork and beef. Other staple ingredients in the Mexican cuisine like the corn flour is imported from Mexico as well as different pepper varieties like chipotle, ancho, guajillo y de arbol as well as vegetables like tomatillo and avocado hass.

Where the products are currently being sold

The products are available for purchase at CPJ — for now — and at any of our two locations in Montego Bay: Taco Spot in Bogue Village and Frida Kafe on the Hip Strip.

The story behind the packaging for the products

At the beginning we used to distribute the products in poly bags or kraft bags depending on which was more convenient for each client. We kept it simple for some time, no logos or labelling. Eventually, we discovered the vacuum sealing process and started incorporating it into our production process. We realised that they remained fresher and sturdier during the storing and distribution stages.

We made these products because……

We have been fortunate to grow up in Montego Bay and along the way we have come to truly appreciate the opportunity to share our culture here. Our goal has always been to be proud ambassadors of Mexican gastronomy in Jamaica — and why not across the Caribbean as well?

That is what inspired us to create a line of products designed for everyday kitchens: Versatile, easy to use and adaptable to different cooking styles. More than anything, we want Jamaicans to experience the flavours of Mexico without ever having to leave the island…We love Jamaica!

The products became available to the public in……

2025

Our core customers are……

Honestly…everyone who enjoys Mexican food. Our products are mostly sold to hotels for now and we hope to have more presence in the local supermarkets soon.

The response to the products has been……

Positive, for the most part. We still have a lot of work to do to ensure everyone knows about our products but we are positive that after introducing the market to our products and promoting them, there will be greater interest and so, the response will be better.

Our products are successful because……

We have a passion for what we do. Everything is made with love and the whole aim is to share. This is why our products are successful!

We plan to grow the business to become……

A reliable source of fresh authentic Mexican food for Jamaicans and being great exponents of Mexican culture and gastronomy in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

This issue remains and managing the raw material inventory is……

A headache! I am not even going to sugarcoat this one… Inventory accuracy, supply of products that allows smooth operations and ensuring everyone in the process is doing their part correctly, is very complicated. We are still in the process of mastering our inventories. In theory we get it, in real life… we are still a work in progress.

Jamaicans should support my products because……

Taco Spot doesn’t just sell products. We are striving to add something different to the local market that isn’t widely available in Jamaica. Supporting us means promoting creativity and diversity. We are also active contributors to the local economy, even though our concept is Mexican-inspired, we are still a proud Jamaica-based business, we create jobs and provide business to local farmers, artists and suppliers.

My post-Hurricane Melissa message, having given consideration to the importance of food security,sustainability and supporting our local food ecosystem, is…..

Hurricane Melissa is one of the strongest hurricanes to have ever hit our island. It impacted everyone! During these times we were able to see with our own eyes the importance of community. We believe moments like this remind us how vital it is to support what is close to home. We remain committed to sourcing locally where possible, standing by our farmers and suppliers and continuing to serve our community with consistency and care.

Taco Spot Jamaica

E-mail: taco_spotja1@outlook.com

Tel: 1 876-386-2141

Taco Spot Jamaica co-director Karina Ruelas presents to the judges.(Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Taco Spot Jamaica’s Chicken Flautas rolled fried chicken tacos topped with sour cream & queso fresco (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Tostada topped w/pico de gallo (Photo: Naphtali Junior)