St. Louis Park council grants on‑sale intoxicating liquor license to Taco Shop LLC

The St. Louis Park City Council approved an on‑sale intoxicating liquor license for the Taco Shop LLC, operator Angel Ruelas said, following a staff presentation and a brief public hearing.

Deputy City Clerk Amanda Scott Laertal told the council the application meets zoning and building requirements and that “the police department has run a full background investigation. Nothing was discovered that would warrant denial of the license.” The applicant will operate from about 3,380 square feet with 38 indoor seats, and Mr. Ruelas will serve as on‑site manager.

Why it matters: The approval allows the locally owned restaurant to add alcoholic beverages to its menu, a change the owner said will support an expanded dining area and service options.

Details and council action Attorney Inti Martinez Aleman and owner Angel Ruelas appeared at the council meeting to answer questions. Ruelas said the decision to add alcohol was driven by customer expectations and the expansion of the restaurant’s seating. “Mexican food has to get beer,” Ruelas said while describing the expansion from a previous small footprint to the current space.

No members of the public spoke in opposition at the hearing. Council members who spoke welcomed the business and encouraged the owners; one member noted municipal services customers (fire department and nearby workers) already frequent the restaurant for meals. The council voted to approve the license on a voice vote.

Ending Staff will finalize licensing paperwork after state certification. Council members thanked the owners for investing and expanding in St. Louis Park and noted the city’s interest in supporting locally owned restaurants.