A popular Mexican restaurant is changing ownership but will remain open in St. Joseph.
Arriba Taqueria at 2112 South Cleveland Avenue, across from Martin’s Supermarket is being sold by its longtime owners, Maria and Moises Ferrer.
Maria Ferrer told MoodyOnTheMarket.com that she and her husband are so grateful to the St. Joseph community for first accepting and then popularizing Arriba Taqueria. “They changed our lives. We are so glad and thankful for St. Joe!”
The Ferrer’s were originally from the Chicago area and got involved in the St. Joseph restaurant almost by accident through mutual family acquaintances shortly after it opened eight years ago. They were partners initially and then assumed full ownership, seeing almost constant growth even during the difficult pandemic period.
Maria told us that at age 50 and 51, the couple is now ready for a different, new challenge on which they are already working. It is likely to be another food service business, and she says with a smile that they hope to be able to tell us about it in a few months.
The Ferrer’s made the announcement in a Facebook post to their customers:
After 8 incredible years of serving our wonderful community, it’s with mixed feelings that I announce the sale of Arriba Taqueria. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for the unwavering support over the years. Your loyalty has been the driving force behind our success and we will forever be grateful.
Don’t worry though, the essence of Arriba Taqueria will endure. The new owners are committed to preserving the cherished recipes that have become a part of our shared culinary experience. While change is a part of life, any adjustments made will be aimed at enhancing your dining experience. I believe the new chapter for Arriba Taqueria will bring exciting improvements that will resonate with the spirit of our community.
As for me and my family it’s time for a well-deserved break. Keep your eyes and ears open for what might be coming next. We’re exploring new opportunities and adventures for the next chapter of our lives.
Thank you for being a part of the Arriba Taqueria family. Your continued support has been the spice of Arriba Taqueria’s success! It’s been an honor serving all of you, and I look forward to the restaurant’s continued success in the hands of its new owners. Cheers to the memories we’ve created together and for the new memories to be made as well.
2016 – 2023
Thank you
The announcement garnered dozens of social media comments from Arriba Taqueria customers praising the quality of the restaurant’s food and hoping that the recipes will be maintained by the new owners. Maria Ferrer responded that it is everyone’s intention that it will be ‘business as usual’ both in taste and service after January 3rd when the sale takes effect January 3, 2024.
Arriba Taqueria’s new owner will be Ruth Ortiz. She has worked alongside the Ferrer’s the past year, according to Maria, who told us they would only sell the restaurant to someone who would maintain the food and service at a high level.
Maria pointed out that the recipes at Arriba came from her family and almost everything was “made from scratch” every day. She said anyone who wants to operate an authentic Mexican restaurant must be committed to being there personally every day, no matter how many hours it takes. She expressed great confidence that they have found that person in Ruth Ortiz, the new owner.
