Korea Taqueria opened a new location at Franklin’s Table Food Hall last month.
The stall opened on Jan. 20, marking the restaurant’s third expansion in Philadelphia over the past four years. Korea Taqueria, which began as a food truck in 2022, features a Korean-Mexican cuisine — a first for the food hall.
Owner Alexander Sherack and head chef Rene Lopez told The Daily Pennsylvanian that they were inspired to open a location near the University after catering Penn events such as Spring Fling.
“We both had a lot of students and faculty asking about Korea Taqueria,” Sherack said.
Despite the variety of food options offered at Franklin’s Table, Sherack explained that Korea Taqueria does not have direct competition.
“There was a very specific lack of Mexican and Korean food,” Sherack said. “Our food didn’t compete with the other vendors in there, and filled a nice little gap.”
The restaurant offers burritos, bowls, and tacos that combine Korean and Mexican flavors. The idea, Sherack said, was to “really tap into how much students love Chipotle food.”
“The flavors, with the amount of proteins and sauce combos that you can get with us, has been really popular,” he added.
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Korea Taqueria opened its first permanent location in South Philadelphia in 2023 before adding a Fishtown location in 2025.
Lopez said that the restaurant originally became “a little famous” because of its birria tacos, an item that isn’t offered at Franklin’s Table.
“Unfortunately we can’t make it here because we have some restrictions,” Lopez told the DP, referring to the University City location being “too small.”
The pair had an “easy transition” turning the previous Franklin’s Table stall into Korea Taqueria because Sherack was the old operator of PaperMill, a Southeast Asian food truck that used to occupy the restaurant’s spot.
Lopez highlighted the importance of a team effort in the business, especially with managers at the Fishtown and Penn locations, giving Sherack and Lopez the time to “refine” their recipes.
“I think that’s part of the success too — having a good team and people who are happy working with us,” Lopez said.
Lopez added that he felt “lucky to be part of this city” and see Philadelphia “support” Korea Taqueria.
“That’s one of the reasons I never left — because Philly is really good,” Lopez said. “I love the city, I love the people, and we have a really good response for business.”
Korea Taqueria’s opening at Franklin’s Table follows Big Dean’s Hot Chicken, which launched in spring 2025, and Gouldsberger’s — a popular burger joint — which opened a stall in November 2024.
