Being diagnosed with hurthle cell carcinoma, a rare thyroid cancer, didn’t stop Omar Aceves from achieving his dream to open a taco shop but instead fueled his passion to give back to the community.

“I promised my doctors that because I ended up with a weird, very aggressive cancer with no research on it ... I will donate $1 million [for research],” Aceves said.

The inspiration

Aceves opened Dos Tacos in April 2024 fulfilling his dream of owning a restaurant focused on providing authentic street cuisine and customer service. The restaurant boasts an open-kitchen concept where customers can both see and smell their food being made.

“People call it the Mexican Five Guys because we shout the orders, and it's like a little Mexican Hell’s Kitchen because when it gets packed. We are loud—that’s just the way we can get those orders out,” he said.


Although he doesn’t have direct restaurant experience, Aceves’ time in the automotive industry taught him customer service, and coaching from his family back in Mexico taught him all he needed to know about the restaurant industry, he said.

On the menu

The menu features various taco specialties including a 50-year-old family carnitas recipe, Aceves said. Other fan favorite tacos include:
  • Chorizo
  • Pastor
  • Fish
Guests can also enjoy breakfast tacos, Mexican pizza, quesadillas or build-your-own bowls, burritos and nachos. Additionally, Aceves—who is vegetarian due to his diagnosis—said he ensures the eatery offers both vegetarian and vegan options, which has become over 40% of sales.

Moving forward


Aceves said he is working toward opening 130 locations to help meet his goal of donating to help cancer research at MD Anderson.