Los Tacos No. 1 Enters Next Stage of Growth With Strategic Investment From TSG Consumer
Partnership will center on preserving the authenticity that has defined Los Tacos No. 1 since 2013,
while supporting thoughtful, founder-led growth
NEW YORK & SAN FRANCISCO – September 3, 2026 – Los Tacos No. 1 (“Los Tacos”), the New York-based restaurant known for its authentic Tijuana-style tacos served fresh off the grill, today announced it has received a strategic investment from TSG Consumer (“TSG”), a leading private equity firm specializing in consumer brands. The partnership is built on a shared goal: to bring Los Tacos to a wider audience while keeping the food and shops true to its roots. The Co-Founder and CEO, Christian Pineda, along with Chief Operating Partner Jacobo Ackerman, will continue to lead day-to-day operations and strategic decision-making.
Los Tacos was founded in 2013 by friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California, who set out to bring authentic tacos to the East Coast. Since opening its first stand in Chelsea Market, the brand has become one of New York City’s most recognized restaurant concepts, grounded in the fundamentals that defined the original location: family recipes and fresh, simple ingredients that bring the flavor of Mexican culture to every taco. Los Tacos operates 10 locations across New York City, as well as Los Mariscos, its sister seafood concept in Chelsea Market known for Baja-style fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and ceviche.
“When we moved to New York City, we couldn't find good tacos that tasted like the ones we grew up with, so we set out to change that. Staying true to that has guided every decision as we've grown, and it's why finding the right partner mattered so much,” said Christian Pineda, Tyler Sanders, Kyle Cameron, Co-Founders of Los Tacos, and Jacobo Ackerman, Chief Operating Partner. “TSG shares our belief that more cities deserve authentic tacos like these. They've spent decades working alongside founders, and that experience is exactly why we trust them for this next chapter. This is just the beginning.”
TSG will work alongside the Los Tacos team, adding resources and expertise to support thoughtful growth led by the existing management team, while preserving the food and distinctive taco-shop experience that have defined the brand from the start.
“Los Tacos No. 1 has built an incredibly loyal following by mastering the fundamentals — exceptional food and an experience people genuinely connect with,” said Colin Welch, Managing Director and Head of New York at TSG. “Christian, Tyler, Kyle, Ja and the entire team have created something rare and hard to build: a brand people feel a real connection to. That's the strongest possible foundation to grow from, and we couldn't be more excited to help introduce Los Tacos No. 1 to more taco lovers.”
East Wind Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Los Tacos and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Pryor Cashman LLP served as legal counsel. Ropes & Gray LLP provided legal counsel to TSG. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Los Tacos No. 1
Founded in New York City in 2013, by three friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California, Los Tacos No. 1 began as a single taco stand in Chelsea Market and has grown into one of the city’s most recognized taco concepts. Known for its focused menu of tacos, quesadillas, and aguas frescas, and built on fresh ingredients, family recipes, and house-made tortillas, Los Tacos No. 1 has delivered the same food and lively, standing-room experience that defined its original location. For more information, visit lostacos1.com.
About TSG Consumer
Founded in 1986, TSG Consumer Partners, LP is a leading consumer-focused private equity firm with approximately $14 billion in assets under management. Leveraging the firm’s deep knowledge of the consumer, TSG partners with exceptional leaders and transformational brands, empowering them to grow and meet the ever-evolving needs of their consumers. TSG has investment offices in San Francisco, New York, and London. Representative past and current restaurant investments include Dutch Bros Coffee, Yard House, and Pura Vida Miami. For more information, visit tsgconsumer.com.
Media Contacts
Prosek Partners for TSG Consumer
Pro-TSG-Consumer@prosek.com
