PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) – A popular family-owned taco restaurant in Southeast Portland is temporarily closing its doors after a fire damaged the building Wednesday morning.
A single word posted at the entrance of El Porvenir Family Taqueria on Southeast 82nd Avenue left loyal customers heartbroken: Closed.
Flames broke out around 6:30 a.m., before the restaurant opened for the day. The owners were still sleeping at home when the fire began.
While Portland Fire & Rescue investigators are working to determine the cause, fire officials say the blaze started on the exterior of the building before spreading inside and reaching the roof.
The restaurant’s owners said firefighters cut a large hole in the roof to allow heat and smoke to escape more quickly. Most of the damage was concentrated in the kitchen.
“It’s hard for me since I started here, and seeing this gone for me until I don’t know when, it’s just breaking me down,” said chef and owner Jesus Zacarias.
Zacarias opened El Porvenir with his wife, Mariela Lazaro, about four years ago. Since then, the taqueria has become the couple’s primary source of income.
It’s also a second home for their three young daughters.
“It’s devastating. Our 3-year-old already knows the taqueria was on fire. She saw the pictures and videos and said, ‘No more tacos!’” Zacarias said.
The taqueria is well known for its $1 tacos and has built a loyal following throughout Southeast Portland.
While discussions with insurance companies and repairs are just beginning, reopening could take several months. In the meantime, the family has been overwhelmed by support from customers both in person and online, many of whom say they’ll be back as soon as the restaurant reopens.
“A lot of people love this place. It’s sad to see it like this,” said a supporter named Maggie.
“They’re so affordable. I’ll be back, you know I’ll be back. Come support them!” said another customer, Sumayah.
The Lazaro-Zacarias family has launched an online fundraiser to help cover repair costs as they work to rebuild and reopen.
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