J&J Mex-Taqueria opened in Mount Rainer (DC) almost a decade ago. The restaurant has since opened a second DC location on Georgia Avenue in the Brightwood neighborhood and earlier this year made the move into Maryland at Le Fantome food hall in Riverdale Park (Prince George’s County). Now, the restaurant has opened a second Maryland location in Silver Spring’s Solaire Social (Montgomery County).
J&J Mex-Taqueria took over the stall that was previously home to Manna Sushi. Solaire Social opened earlier this year in May at 8200 Dixon Ave. The 13,000 square-foot dining destination and bar features a collection of artisan concepts, curated by chef and restaurateur, Akhtar Nawab of Hospitality HQ.
Per J&J Taqueria: In 2015 Jose “Papa” Tovar knew, after a lifelong career in the food industry, that he needed to share his passion for food — authentic dishes and their Mexican heritage — with his DC community. Backed by his hardworking family, all eager to support his dream, they set out to accomplish this vision founding J&J’s Mex-Taqueria!
Father and son, both José, are the J&J – building the recipes and the business through permits and more. Jhosselyn, José’s wife, has become a smiling face of the business, behind the counter welcoming guests and cooking up a storm. The Tovar sisters, Nancy and Saralee, are the customer service and team building stars, jumping in wherever needed!
It is that family support that motivates José and Papa Tovar – the support of their loved ones makes every day better. And this family has only grown! With each new customer the Tovar’s have built deep connections and cooked up lifelong friendships. With 5 years and counting, the whole Tovar family looks forward to deepening their roots and sharing their traditions across the District of Columbia.
