Family-owned taco shop in Boyle Heights closed after early morning fire

The owner of a Boyle Heights taco shop has closed the doors to his beloved restaurant after an early morning fire engulfed his life's work.

“This morning, at 3 a.m., I arrived to find our life's work, everything my family and I have poured our hearts and souls into, reduced to ashes by a devastating fire,” José wrote , the owner of Birria los Socios, on Instagram. . “The sight of our dreams and hard-earned belongings engulfed in flames was beyond heartbreaking.”

Firefighters arrived at Birria los Socios shortly after 3:15 a.m. after a large blaze engulfed a row of commercial buildings in the 3500 block of E. Third Street. Due to the dangerous nature of the fire, crews could only fight the flames from outside the workshop with ladders and other heavy water jets.

It took 30 firefighters 198 minutes to extinguish the flames, but crews remained in the area to ensure hot spots did not reignite the fire.

The owner said the family started the business in 2017 after working as street vendors.

“We started as traveling salesmen, working tirelessly to realize our dream, eventually opening a brick-and-mortar store. But our journey was marred by a series of burglaries in Los Angeles, each one setting us back further than the last, causing a immense financial strain and emotional difficulties,” the owner wrote.

The company requested financial assistance to rebuild and clean up the ashes left behind.

“We are contacting you and humbly asking for your help. We need funds to clear the rubble and rebuild from scratch,” the owner wrote on Instagram. “Your support will not only help us recover financially, but will also give us hope and determination to continue our journey.”