Shreveport, La. — Taco Wars 2025 delivered its largest event yet, drawing record-breaking crowds to downtown Shreveport on April 26 and generating more than $168,000 in revenue for participating taquerias—a 30% increase over 2024’s totals.
Presented by Maestro Dobel, Modelo, and the Prize Foundation, the festival brought together food lovers from across the region for a day of tacos, salsa, live music, and celebration of Latino and Hispanic culture. Held outside the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, the event also represented the largest single-day taco and salsa competition of its kind in the country.
“It was mind-blowing to see the crowds from all over the region come together and celebrate Latino and Hispanic culture,” said Gregory Kallenberg, Executive Director of the Prize Foundation and founder of Taco Wars. “The Prize Foundation is incredibly proud to host Taco Wars and to see our community come together—and eat a record number of tacos!”
Business and Cultural Impact
This year, 14 taquerias from Northwest Louisiana and East Texas competed, offering tacos to festivalgoers and free salsa tastings. Participating taquerias kept 90% of their sales, providing a significant economic boost for small businesses.
Participating Taquerias:
- El Novillo Meat Market
- La Potranca
- La Villa Taqueria
- Maria’s Kitchen
- Mi Meza Latin Cuisine
- Mi Mercadito
- Nicky’s Mexican Restaurant
- Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant
- Ramirez Mexican Restaurant
- Taqueria El Eden
- Taqueria Flores
- Taqueria La Reyna Del Sur
- Taqueria Mi Palmar
- Taqueria San Miguel
In addition to food, the festival featured live music from Mariachi Los Caporales, the Valera Brothers, and Los Primos NG, coordinated in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Alliance of Northwest Louisiana.
Competition Winners
A panel of celebrity judges awarded:
- Golden Taco (Best Taco): La Villa Taqueria ($1,000 cash prize)
Festival attendees voted for the Golden Molcajete (Best Salsa), resulting in a tie:
- Ramirez Mexican Restaurant and Taqueria San Miguel (each awarded $500)
“Congrats to the winners, though it feels like everyone won,” added Kallenberg.
About the Prize Foundation
The Prize Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, continues to host innovative events that drive economic activity, celebrate culture, and elevate local businesses in Northwest Louisiana.