Korea Taqueria Blends Cultures and Cuisines in Philadelphia

by Rachel Hazzard
May 22, 2025

Founded in 2022 by Korean Australian chef Alexander Sherack and Mexican chef Rene Lopez, Korea Taqueria has quickly become one of Philadelphia’s most exciting culinary destinations. What began as a shared dream between two food truck owners is now a growing restaurant brand that blends the vibrant flavors of Korean and Mexican cuisine.

Both chefs were running their own food trucks when they met in a shared kitchen space. Their mutual curiosity and respect for each other’s culinary traditions led them to team up. “Rene and I were both excited to explore a Korean-Mexican fusion menu—something we felt was missing in Philadelphia at the time, “ said Sherack. “In 2021, [Rene] took me to his favorite Mexican spots in South Philly, and I introduced him to Korean restaurants in Elkins Park. Growing up in Australia, I had little exposure to authentic Mexican cuisine, while Rene, who grew up in Mexico, had minimal experience with Korean food. That exchange sparked something.”

They started small, retrofitting an old halal cart and hitting street food festivals around the city. But the culinary mashup quickly grew in popularity, and they opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Grays Ferry in 2023. 

Their following has only expanded over time, and they’re excited to open a second location in Fishtown with support from PIDC. “The financials of opening a restaurant are no joke—from renovations, fit-outs, equipment, contractors… the list goes on,” said Sherack. “PIDC had two loans that helped us with our initiative. Firstly, we were able to purchase the building, and secondly a working capital loan to help fit out and get the restaurant where we need to be.”

With the expansion, Korea Taqueria plans to hire upwards of 20 new staff locally, continue supporting their trusted network of local suppliers (including KP’s Fine Meats and Farmart Produce), and bolster future growth plans.

Sherack and Lopez are always working to innovate as their business grows. “We have an experienced crew of chefs who prep, cook, and service all facets of the business, from the restaurants, to the food trucks and catering,” said Sherack. “ We have a dedicated events coordinator, Jake, who books weddings, catering and keeps our food truck team busy all year round. And we are really on top of scalable technology, from the POS systems we use, the apps we subscribe to, whilst still keeping everything intuitive and accessible for our diverse staff.”

The restaurant has carved out a name for itself in Philadelphia’s vibrant food scene, gaining critical acclaim in just their first year. “[Receiving recognition] in restaurant publications in Philadelphia, like Philly Mag, Foobooz, The Infatuation, Eater Philly…in our first year were really memorable,” said Sherack. “Being on TV segments with 6ABC and WHYYY, and even having a TV commercial running for 6 months after receiving a grant from Comcast Rise initiative were truly moments where Rene and I had to pinch ourselves and text our moms “hey, we’re on TV!”

As they grow, they hope to share their food with more of Philadelphia. When asked about a favorite dish on the menu right now, Sherack didn’t hesitate: “Burrito with sweet garlic soy Korean fried chicken—add guacamole. Thank me later!”

Korea Taqueria’s evolution from a street cart to a growing restaurant brand demonstrates the power of cultural fusion, community, and bold vision. As Sherack put it, “Philadelphia is a true melting pot of cultures, and we believe Korea Taqueria is a reflection of that spirit.”