When Alfred Clemesha first encountered Tacos Frontera, he was impressed with how the brand’s authentic Tijuana-style tacos stand apart in one of the country’s most competitive markets. That experience ultimately led him to become the owner-operator of the brand’s first official franchise, set to open later this year in Pasadena.
The upcoming restaurant at 2536 Spencer Highway will be Tacos Frontera’s fourth location overall and represents a significant milestone for both the growing Houston-based brand and for Clemesha. He saw potential in the company early on.
Founders Eric Leal and his wife Maribel launched the concept in 2023, and were in the process of opening a second store in Katy. That’s when Clemesha was connected with them and got an inside look at the business.
“I had the pleasure to meet them and be able to understand their franchise model. I decided to become part as an investor and owner-operator,” he told What Now in an exclusive interview.
While Houston has no shortage of taco shops, he believes the brand fills a gap by focusing exclusively on authentic Tijuana-style tacos and the experience that surrounds them.
“The taco industry is very well established in the Houston market, but Tacos Frontera were doing something different: they were offering Tijuana-style tacos, which is a very different style and flavor. They have a more defined flavor by making the tortillas by hand, and stuffed with plenty of handmade guacamole,” Clemesha explained.
In addition to the tacos, the brand Tacos Frontera’s menu also features tortas, burritos, quesabirrias, mulitas, volcanes, quesadillas, esquites, churros, margaritas, beer, and a variety of proteins including beef, pork, chicken, and chorizo.
Construction is already underway on the Pasadena franchise unit, with a targeted opening in late September or early October. Before the grand opening, the team plans to hold training days and a soft opening, followed by a larger public celebration announced through the brand’s social media channels.
Clemesha’s restaurant will occupy a 2,730-square-foot former ice cream shop. Once complete, the space will seat nearly 80 guests and employ between 20 and 30 team members, including kitchen staff, cooks, runners, cashiers, and support staff. Initially, the restaurant will focus on dine-in and takeout service before adding delivery after the opening rush has subsided.
As Tacos Frontera’s first franchisee, Clemesha says his goal is to deliver the same experience that made him believe in the concept from the beginning.
“I’m looking to bring the same flavor and service currently given by the open locations of the brand, and bring a unique experience of tacos never seen in the area,” he said.
Additional Houston-area locations are already in development for the company, but for Clemesha, the immediate focus is ensuring the Pasadena restaurant sets the standard for future franchise growth — one handmade tortilla at a time.
