SHREVEPORT, LA - The champions of Taco Wars 2023 have been crowned after a fierce showdown that had taco lovers from across the region flocking in droves! Presented by Modelo, Jose Cuervo, and Maestro Dobel, along with the Prize Foundation, this year's festival brought in a whopping $80,000 for local businesses.

The competition was intense, with hungry crowds braving the rain to sample the best tacos and salsas around. The festival featured 16 local taquerias, selling tacos to the public and battling it out for the coveted Golden Taco (Best Taco) and Golden Molcajete (Best Salsa).

“This was definitely the best Taco Wars ever,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Prize Foundation and founder of Taco Wars. “The spirit of the crowd was amazing, the taquerias have never been busier and the community came together in a beautiful way. We are so proud of everyone who was a part of this incredible event. Viva La Taco Wars!”

When the dust settled, it was Mi Mercadito that emerged victorious, impressing the judges and taking home the award for Best Taco and a $1000 cash prize. We can’t forget about the salsa! Ramirez Mexican Restaurant defended its title for the third year in a row, impressing the crowd with its unbeatable salsa recipe and taking a $500 cash prize for the Golden Molcajete.

“This win means so much to us and we want to continue serving our community with our delicious foods,” said Liliana Aveja of Mi Mercadito. “We want to thank everyone who came out and supported us!”

A panel of celebrity taco aficionados visited each taquerias tent and tasted all of the submitted tacos. All taquerias also gave the hungry crowd free tastings of chips and salsa. Attendees were given voting tokens upon entry to the festival and voted to decide the Golden Molcajete winner.

Participating taquerías included: Nicky's Mexican Restaurant, Taqueria Mi Palmar, Ramirez Mexican Restaurant, Mi Mercadito, El Novillo Carniceria, Taqueria La Reyna Del Sur, La Potranca, Taqueria Bazzar Mexicano, Mi Meza Latin Cuisine, Taqueria San Miguel, Taqueria El Eden, Taqueria Flores, El Taconazo, Tacos El Culebrito, Tamalocos, Taco Joe's Authentic Wet Tacos.