Taco Del Gnar is RACC May 2025 Member of the Month
The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce recently sat down with the team behind Taco Del Gnar, Will and Amy Harmsen and Joe and Nicole Ouellette, to learn more about what makes their brand is unique and what they enjoy about running their business in a cozy mountain town.
1. How did your style come to life?
Joe: Taco Del Gnar Ridgway opened in November 2013. The original owner Curtis Blanton and I both were friends at the time and both came from a fine dining background but were looking to open something more approachable. We were infatuated with the idea of tacos– using tortilla shells as a vessel to develop unique and complex flavor profiles. This we imagined would also give the opportunity to bring boundary-pushing food to the community. No rules, just creativity.
The vibe of the place we created came to reflect my life at the time– tattoos, punk rock, good bands, and that whole scene. It had this clubhouse sort of energy and it came together easily, it felt very us and as a brand it worked!
Will: I’ve been a fan of Taco Del Gnar since day one and am so grateful to be a part of its journey today. I used to work my schedule around always being available for what I coined my own personal Taco Tuesdays and knew the previous partners when the restaurant first opened. I always loved what they were doing here and this has become such a passion project, to keep it organic and grounded. We truly appreciate working with Joe and Nicole as we share this dynamic partnership with each of us bringing something different and unique to the table.
2. Can you tell us a bit about your connection to the Ridgway community?
Joe: My Dad moved to Ridgway from Telluride in the 80’s and I grew up here when it was a pass-through cow town. When I opened the Gnar it felt like a gamble and my Father urged me not to, but I had faith this town would become something extraordinary and I was right, Taco Del Gnar has spawned a dedicated following. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be a part of that journey– seeing long-time locals coming through the door and visitors returning year after year who bring that familial connection as well. It truly makes working in the dining industry so special.
Will: Our establishment has built something of a cult following. We’ve had customers from New Hampshire tell us they came to Taco Del Gnar because their good friends in Oklahoma told them about us. It has a life of its own even from thousands of miles away and even our stickers show up around the world. There’s a real sense of community as well as legacy here.
3. How would you describe the food you offer for those who may not have dined at Taco Del Gnar before?
Joe: We’re always asking ourselves: What kind of complete meal can we fit into a taco? We are constantly pushing our flavor combinations to their limits and doing so with a small level of ingredients.
Will: We will spend hours– even days– perfecting a single taco or drink. Every detail matters.
4. How would you describe your menu in three words?
Joe: Unique. Fresh. Pretty.
5. What are each of your favorite tacos and why?
Will: The Drippy Mitch. The homemade chorizo is just mind-blowing.
Joe: The Opry. Nashville hot chicken with pickled radish and roasted garlic, honey aioli– it’s basically a sandwich in taco form.
Nicole: The Hooker. Beer-battered cod, chili corn salsa, jerk aioli and cotija cheese is the perfect combo of flavors. It’s a no brainer.
6. What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce?
Joe: The Chamber gives us a platform to voice both the benefits and challenges of operating a business in a small town.
Will: It’s a great organization for helping us get the word out about our establishment and to help us build and make connections in the community.
Mark Your Calendars for these upcoming events:
All summer long: Wednesdays are Locals Night 4pm-Close featuring the Basic Beotch taco– Mid-western style taco– with discounted drinks. This seeks to support our locals during the busy summer months.
Tuesday, June 3rd: RACC’s Townie Tuesday gravel ride beginning at 5:30pm. Special Townie Taco and drink special.
Wednesday, July 16th: Vibe with Voyager Youth Program. 10% of all food sales will be contributed to Voyager Youth Program’s Scholarship Fund.
