Join Club

Citizenship At Last for District Taco Founder

On Monday, District Taco founder Osiris Hoil officially became an American citizen.

“Today America has accepted me to be part of this beautiful country,” Hoil tweeted at the time. “Today I became an American!! Thank you USA!!”

The naturalization ceremony was yet another high point of a whirlwind three and a half years for Hoil, a native of Mexico. In that time Hoil went from laid-off construction worker to food cart operator to a partner in an expanding local restaurant chain. (District Taco is planning to open a third location, on Capitol Hill, early next year.)

We asked Hoil about his path to citizenship and business success.

ARLnow: Tell us a bit about your personal history before District Taco.

I am from Yucatán, Mexico, born and raised in small town call Tekax. Due of a lack of opportunities, my family (dad and mom) thought that I could have better opportunities in the USA. So I came here in 1999. My first job was as a dishwasher at a restaurant. I then worked my way up to become a kitchen manager (that took few years).

ARLnow: How did District Taco come to be?

It was founded by Marc [Wallace] and I. He was my neighbor and I used to go to his  house to have picnics with my family and his family. He loves my food and we came up with an idea when I lost my job.

In 2008, when I lost my job in the construction industry, I told Marc that I couldn’t find a job in the same industry and he suggested  that I open my restaurant. I told him I didn’t have money for a restaurant. So we came with the idea to open the cart.

ARLnow: When did you first apply for citizenship?

I applied in 2004, right after I got married. The process was hard, because it takes a lot of paper work and patience.

ARLnow: What was your reaction upon first learning that your citizenship had gone through?

It was great. When they told me that my papers were good, it was time to study the history of U.S. and civil rights, because they do an oral test in the interview. I didn’t have any problem answering the questions, so I passed the test. One of the questions I was asked was, “Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?” I simply answered: “Thomas Jefferson.”

ARLnow: Was there a citizenship ceremony?

Yes, there were about 30 people that received their citizenship. We went through our rights as Americans and they showed us a video about what America is about. While the video was being shown, I was little bit emotional, because this is a dream that any foreign could have, and I was making it happen.

The final step to become a U.S. citizen is the Oath of Allegiance. We took the Oath of Allegiance and we also took the Pledge of Allegiance.

My wife and kids (Americans) were there with me during the ceremony. They hugged me and congratulated me after I got my certification and I broke on tears. We then went for dinner with some friends, and they asked me what I wanted to eat. I said “Hamburgers!”

ARLnow: What’s next for you and District Taco?

District Taco is one of my dreams. We will keep working hard and we will keep opening and improving stores.

ARLnow: What advice do you have for other immigrants who dream of moving here, living the American dream and earning citizenship, like you?

Never give up, because everything is possible in USA!!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Photos via Twitter.

Recent Stories

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar. 🕗 News recap The following articles were published earlier today…

An 18-year-old Arlington woman is facing a litany of charges after an reported bike theft led to violence. The incident happened Sunday evening near the intersection of S. Walter Reed…

What do I do if school doesn’t fit my kid? That’s the question that so many of the parents and families ask when they’re looking at small independent schools like…

There is a new play area for kids inside Ballston Quarter with plenty of pint-sized attractions. Located on the first floor of the mall, near the about-to-close Macy’s, Junior Playland…

Well-Paid Maids recently unveiled a new scheduling system.

That means it’s easier than ever to book your professional home cleaning with the only certified living-wage home cleaning service in the D.C. area.

Here’s what to expect when you book your cleaning:

  1. Select your location.

  2. Choose your service (i.e. 1 BD/1BA). (This is also where you’ll see the rate.)

  3. Pick your cleaner. (If you don’t have a preference, opt for “any available.”)

  4. Schedule a date and time. You can also set up recurring cleanings and get a discount!

  5. Enter your information and reserve.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

What We Offer:
✔️ Individual Therapy
✔️ Couples Counseling
✔️ Anxiety & Stress Management
✔️ Depression Treatment
✔️ Trauma Healing
✔️ Self-Esteem Building
✔️ Life Transitions Support
✔️ And Much More!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Portofino Italian Wine Dinner, April 6, 6:30pm

Four course Italian dinner, paired with 2 wines each. The wines will be served “blind” and notes on each wine will be discussed. The event is coordinated with Elite Wine Importers and The Portofino Restaurant. The dinner is on Saturday,

×

Subscribe to our mailing list