Chuck Eats KC - Beloved Taco Shells Coming Back?
La Tiara Taco Shells Poised For a Return?
It is fascinating how many of us become devotees to specific brands of food at grocery stores. There may be dozens of options within a category, but we must have our favorite brand and style. I like my Mama Lupe's Flour Authentic Soft Taco Tortillas. Herdez Guacamole Salsa. Calidad Corn Tortilla Chips. Sometimes I'll try something new, but I have my favorites.
Do you have a favorite hard shell taco brand? Have you noticed that the brand you like has disappeared from local Kansas City grocery stores?
Recently, I joined a Facebook group for people who are fans of La Tiara taco shells (Please Bring Back La Tiara Taco Shells). There aren't just a few fans, the group currently has over 15,000 members. I have been following this story since last year, when I heard that the brand wasn't being stocked in area grocery stores. I don't make hard shelled tacos at home often, but La Tiara has become my go-to for taco shells.
What sets La Tiara apart from big brands like Old El Paso, Ortega, Taco Bell, or a store brand like Hy-Vee? I would describe the La Tiara taco shells as lighter, fresher, and more delicate than the big brands. Brands that we grew up with, like Old El Paso, seem to be focused on not falling apart. It's understandable to cater to the masses who want their taco shell to stay together, but many of us can handle something more delicate, if it tastes better and fresher.
La Tiara put out yellow and white corn shell tacos. White shell tacos haven't been in the product lines of the big boys until recently.
I talked to some employees at a local grocery store early this year about the disappearance of La Tiara products. They said that they just stopped showing up and that customer
The Facebook group has been a busy forum for the latest news about the product, as well as people sharing pictures of the taco shells they still have on hand. Group members also share info on similar brands they have tried and efforts to find restaurants that have taco shells like La Tiara.
What's the latest?
La Tiara's parent company, Gladstone Food Products, was placed in receivership in March of this year. Gladstone Food products was sold through a multi-step auction process. The final step in that process happened last week. Final details haven't been released, but media report that the company's assets may have sold for $10 million.
Does this mean that the taco shells, even the La Tiara name, are coming back? The plans for the products in the Gladstone Food Products line will hopefully be announced after the sale is finalized. The taco shell lines have a big fan base and the company that bought the assets is reportedly a larger food company. It's always possible that a large company may have bought the rights and name to prevent other companies from selling a competitive product.
If the taco shells make a comeback, I'll make some tacos and share pics here.
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