Community Corner

Taco Wars Aren't Helping Either Stand in Tujunga Village

Henry’s is Henry’s Tacos, and the new stand in its old place is Cactus Tacos. That’s that, they’re different. There’s no war.

It seems that pitting the two against each other doesn’t really help either business in the Tujunga Village area of Studio City.

“People come here expecting what Henry’s used to be, and then they complain that it takes too long,” said Cactus Tacos manager Marlo Tornel. “We are a different kind of taco stand, we are real Mexican food in a fast-food environment.”

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Meanwhile, the lines around the block that buoyed Henry’s when it was about to close hasn’t reoccurred even though they’re only a few hundred feet away.

“We have better parking where we are now, and there’s a lot more places to sit, and all our prices are still the same,” said Omar Vega who took over the management of Henry’s Tacos that had been in Studio City for more than half a century. “We are waiting.”

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The lines around the block when Henry’s was being forced out of its location at Moorpark Street and Tujunga Avenue have not rematerialized since Henry’s moved into the Studio Sub location even with a mock-up of the iconic sign and a larger staff of Vega’s family. Yes, a few of the celebrities who have frequented the former Henry’s have come down to eat, but it’s not like it was late last year during the Henry’s frenzy.

Lines are steady at both locations—and Cactus lunch lines still spill into the parking lot that’s shared with the Starlite Room bar next door—and they are getting a steady stream of regular customers. But, Cactus Taco's Yelp ratings have taken a hit. Only recently did they get upgraded from a two-star rating to be equal to Henry’s.

That’s why Cactus (also known as Cactus Taqueria #3 to coincide with their family’s two Hollywood locations) will be posting a new sign soon.

It will read: “Real Mexican Food in a Fast Food Environment.”

Tornel, who just graduated from the North Hollywood Culinary Academy, said he is trying some new menu items and yes, sometimes it takes time.

“We are cooking everything to order, and sometimes that takes a bit more time,” Tornel said. “We want everyone to have a good experience.”

Cactus has vegan options that aren’t up on their already extensive menu, and their burritos can cost up to $9, nearly triple what it costs at Henry’s. Not much at Henry’s has changed. The menu of “gringo tacos” remains standard. They're still only $2.75.

“Here at Henry’s people know what they are getting, they know what they want,” Vega said.

Vega has considered changing his menu, but so far has not.

Both businesses believe that in an area known more for its abundance of sushi bars and coffee shops and designer pizza parlors, there’s plenty of room for two taco stands—even if they are a half a block away.

Let the Taco Wars Begin! Cactus Tacos Opens in Former Henry's Spot

Former Henry's Fades Away—When Will Tujunga Village Taco Wars


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