AUSTIN – (Realty News Report) – Maria’s Taco Xpress, a colorful South Lamar landmark since 1997, has been sold.
Originally launched as a food trailer, the Austin restaurant evolved into a full-scale establishment in 2006. Notable for the body of an old pickup truck mounted on its façade as a whimsical decorative feature, Maria’s has long been a beloved part of the community.
“When I came to Austin from Argentina as a young girl, I fell in love with this city and its people. My restaurant has allowed me to touch so many lives over the years and for that I am incredibly grateful,” said founder Maria Corbalan. “I will continue to serve everyone until the end of the year and then I am giving the business name, equipment and a trailer to my employees of 20 years. They have been amazing, especially during these recent hard times, and I hope they can bring the same delicious tacos to Austin for many years to come. The best gift the community can give me is supporting my employees on their new endeavor.”
“Maria’s Taco Xpress has been a staple of the 78704 community for more than 24 years, first as a food truck and then as the restaurant we all know now,” said Bradley Bailey, First Vice President at CBRE. “We were glad to find a locally based buyer who will bring the next phase of this location to life.”
The property at 2529 South Lamar Blvd. has gone under contract to a local, Austin-based investment company. The sale is expected to be finalized in early November. The new ownership group is collaborating with Britt Morrison and Brett Maze from the Weitzman Group to secure a tenant who will honor the location’s legacy while bringing fresh energy to the space.
Corbalan reflected on her journey: “I have worked very hard as a woman in this city. When I started my restaurant in 1997, beginning with a small food trailer, I never imagined how I would be able to give back to my community and bring smiles to faces with Hippie Church and food made from the heart.”
Bradley Bailey and Adam Rabin of CBRE in Austin represented Ms. Corbalan in the sale.
Maria Corbalan and her staff will continue serving customers through the end of the year. In addition, Corbalan plans to sell the restaurant’s iconic decorations and fixtures so pieces of Maria’s flair can find new homes and continue to evoke memories for longtime patrons.
Oct. 4, 2020 Realty News Report Copyright 2020
File: Maria’s Final Taco in Austin
File: (2) Restaurants. Austin. South Lamar. CBRE. Weitzman. Maria’s Final Taco
