Denver Taqueria Rebrands as Daughter Takes Over 40-Year-Old Family Business

A long-running dining institution in Denver's Highland neighborhood is preparing for a leadership transition after a legal dispute forced the family to reclaim its property. Alejandra Hernandez, daughter of founder Raúl Hernandez, is set to take over operations at 2538 West 32nd Avenue. The restaurant, which closed following the retirement of her parents, is undergoing a rebrand to reflect the next generation's stewardship of the business.

Raúl Hernandez opened his first restaurant in the area, then known as the Northside, in 1984. By 1995, he purchased the current building and opened La Mexicana Taqueria the following year. He and his wife, Eloisa, managed the location for 24 years before retiring in 2020. They subsequently leased the space to new operators, who rebranded the venue as La Grande Mexicana.

The family regained control of the property on Sept. 21, 2026. This move followed an eviction process initiated after the original tenants subleased the space to an investor. Alejandra Hernandez stated that the investor caused damage to the property, necessitating legal intervention. Her parents had initially intended to find a new tenant, but she proposed she take over the operation. Her father agreed, and her parents are now assisting with the preparation for the relaunch.

The business is currently awaiting a food license from the City of Denver. Hernandez indicated she expects the license soon, though she had hoped to open by the first week of November. Once the permit is approved, the opening date will be announced on the restaurant's social media channels. The establishment will operate lunch and dinner service.

The rebrand includes a name change to Don Raúl's Mexican Cuisine. Hernandez said her mother suggested the name to honor her father's legacy while modernizing the identity. The goal is to keep the name short and familiar to the existing customer base. The original menu from La Mexicana Taqueria will remain intact, but items will feature more detailed descriptions. These additions aim to explain specific preparation methods, such as the eight-hour cooking process for the signature green chile and the complex ingredients in the mole.

The physical space retains decor brought from small towns in Mexico by Hernandez's mother and grandmother. The family also plans to rehire the previous staff, with whom they maintained contact during the closure. Hernandez noted that longtime customers are a key part of the operation, and she intends to preserve the recognizable elements of the original eatery while presenting the menu in a more organized format.

The neighborhood has changed significantly since 1984, but the Hernandez family views the location as a central part of their history. Hernandez described the space as the center of her childhood life. Her mother, Eloisa, expressed excitement for the relaunch, stating that the return to the family represents an honor. The new management aims to continue the restaurant's presence on the block while adapting to current market expectations.

For updates on the opening date and menu details, the restaurant is using Facebook and a new Instagram account, @donraulsdenver. The business is located at 2538 West 32nd Avenue in Denver.