Three 'enthusiastic taco lovers' bring hometown vibe to Morristown with new Mexican cafe

MORRISTOWN — Raul Santoyo was an investment banker for 30 years, his brother Alejandro is a lawyer and their business partner, Gabriel Galvan, worked in the pharmaceutical industry.

Not your typical background for three restaurateurs.

But what the three owners of downtown Morristown's Central Taqueria lack in experience, they make up for in familiarity with the flavors of central Mexico and a passion for sharing that cuisine with North Jersey diners.

"We grew up with these kinds of things," Raul Santoyo said last week during an interview at the South Street site, where construction was still ongoing in preparation for a Feb. 17 grand opening.

"I've been living in this country for maybe 16 years, and with all my friends, we keep saying, 'I cannot believe that pretty much no one does this.'"

Located a few blocks from the Morristown Green at the former site of Pascarella Bros. Sandwich Shoppe, Central Taqueria will feature an open floor plan married with table service that the owners hope will capture the casual vibe of the taco counters of their youth. All three men grew up in Mexico City but now live in the United States − Raul Santoyo and Galvan in Morris County, and Alejandro Santoyo in Miami.

The restaurant's featured type of cooking will be "al pastor," pork marinated for 12 hours in dried chilis and spices and then roasted on a vertical spit. The pork will be the star ingredient in dishes including tacos de trompo and quesadillas. Central Taqueria's menu will also include tortas − traditional Mexican sandwiches − and alambre, a grilled beef dish with bacon, onions and peppers.

"It's something that usually people don't want to do because it's easier just to (cook) the meat, marinate it and drop it in the pan, and that's it," Santoyo said. "But I think that it's visually a big thing."

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The three owners "are a group of enthusiastic taco lovers" who are passionate about "bringing the true flavors of Central Mexico to New Jersey," they explain on the taqueria's website,

"Our concept is based on keeping the roots and original ingredients in all recipes," they add, "preserving traditional cooking methods, serving tacos de trompo, and handmade tortillas in an open-kitchen, contemporary atmosphere, while offering personal service to anyone in the search of a GOOD taco."

Inside the 1,000 square-foot storefront, short countertops will create an open environment where customers can see their orders being prepared. Servers will still bring food to the tables to establish the feel of a sit-down restaurant.

"Even when you're in a high (top) chair, we don't like the fact that you just get your food, you go sit, eat and leave," Santoyo said. "We want to have a better approach and closer relationship with our clients as well."

The taqueria will cater to Morristown's bar crowd by staying open until 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, he said. Like many of the store's amenities, the late-night dining option is a nod to the owners' upbringing.

"When I grew up it was like: you go to a bar, and then before you go home you eat some tacos," Santoyo said. "It's going to be a different audience, but I'm pretty sure that it's going to be good."

For more information on Central Taqueria, visit www.centraltaqueria.com or call 973-722-7884.

Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties.

Email: kmorel@njherald.com; Twitter: @KMorelNJH

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Morristown restaurants: Central Taqueria features new Mexican cuisine