Ganton Taco Stand Fights to Stay Open as Inflation Batters Local Businesses
By Marisol Ortega | Los Santos Times | July 1st, 2025
GANTON — For years, Tacos Únicos has been more than just a taco stand on Ganton Boulevard. It’s been a gathering place, a lunch stop, and a neighborhood landmark. But today, owner Manuela Vargas is in a fight for survival as rising costs threaten to shut her doors for good.
“I’ve been here for over ten years serving this community,” Vargas told the Los Santos Times. “Now I’m just trying to figure out how to make it through the month.”
Like many small business owners across Los Santos, Vargas has been hit hard by inflation and a sharp increase in the cost of goods. The price of meat, produce, tortillas, and even cooking oil has nearly doubled in the past year. On top of that, utility bills and vendor fees continue to climb.
“It used to cost me around $500 a week to stock up,” Vargas said. “Now it’s closer to $1,200. And that’s just to keep the basic menu going.”
With fewer customers able to spend on eating out and the neighborhood itself still recovering from ongoing economic struggles, daily sales have plummeted.
In a show of community support, friends and longtime customers have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help keep Tacos Únicos open. The fundraiser, titled “Save Tacos Únicos – Keep Ganton’s Favorite Taco Stand Alive,” aims to cover back rent, replenish food inventory, and offset utility costs.
So far, the response has been encouraging. Local residents have begun sharing the fundraiser link across social media platforms under the hashtag #SaveTacosUnicos, urging others to donate or stop by for a meal.
“Ganton is already losing too many of its small businesses,” said Javier Salazar, a local who has been eating at Tacos Únicos since childhood. “This place means something to us. Manuela’s tacos are part of Ganton history.”
While the fundraiser is still far from its goal, Vargas says she’s grateful for the outpouring of love and support.
“Every dollar, every customer who comes by, every share on social media—it all helps,” she said. “I’m not ready to give up on this place, and I know my community isn’t either.”
Supporters say the best way to help—besides donating—is to stop by Tacos Únicos, grab a plate, and remind Manuela why her food matters to Ganton.
