Tacos, quesadilla and nachos: Local food truck adds more flavor to Market at 7th Street
International Truck of Tacos owner Blanca Gonzalez grew up at the feet of Mexican grandmothers who worked in catering. Now, she’s bringing those recipes to you at The Market at 7th Street, where her team is serving up tacos, nachos, quesadillas and more.
“The market is such a fun place to be,” Gonzalez told CharlotteFive. “We’re so grateful to be getting the opportunity.”
Its been five years since she started the International Truck of Tacos — also known as ITOT and named after her children’s love of IHOP. Since then, she’s been visiting breweries and working corporate events with a team of immigrant women she’s pulled into her circle.
“My idea of doing something that I love is helping immigrant women. It absolutely makes my day — helping women, whether we make money or not,” Gonzalez said.
Followers have been asking when she’d get a permanent spot, and the residency at The Market at 7th Street worked out for her as part of the Charlotte Hub for Inclusivity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship program.
The HIIVE partnership includes the City of Charlotte’s Small Business Ecosystem Parter Grant Fund, Charlotte Center City Partners and others in the business community. D3 Studio and builder Stanwick Dunham collaborated with the market in creating the space — along with one for Flows Grand Candles & Gifts.
“Everything just came together,” Gonzalez said. “We want to promote people to come back to uptown, enjoy everything that Charlotte has to offer in that area.”
And for the record, the taco truck will be staying out on the road, serving you at events and breweries, too.
‘Food is love’
Gonzalez’ team of moms hailing from El Salvador, Venezuela, Mexico and Colombia are now cooking up bites to feed you at The Market at 7th Street. She’s even arranged craft beer pairings with nearby Resident Culture Brewing.
Offerings include:
Tacos with your choice corn or flour tortilla, protein and toppings
Quesabirrias with cheese and shredded beef, onions and cilantro, served with consommé
Nachos covered in white queso with your choice of meat and toppings
Protein bowls with black beans, corn and cheese with your choice of protein and toppings on a bed of lettuce
When you order tacos, you can also choose Mexican or American style toppings. (Cilantro and onions for Mexican style, and lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream for American style.)
“We just do both worlds, and that has worked for us very well,” Gonzalez said.
Her culinary journey grew out of 14 years spent at home, raising her children and making tacos out of all kinds of braised meats, just like her aunts and grandmothers did.
“Love is food, food is is love — because that’s how we felt. I was a more loving person after I spent time with my children,” she said.
“It’s something that i never thought I was going to do — making a living and having fun. It’s fun to have a taco stand in the middle of a market ... You get to meet so many interesting people. The best part of my job is seeing them eat it and see their faces, and they love you back. It’s very rewarding.”
International Truck of Tacos
Location: The Market at 7th Street, 224 E. 7 th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cuisine: Mexican, tacos
Instagram: @themarketat7thst
