Osiris Hoil, Co-Founder and CEO, District Taco

Osiris Hoil is the CEO and cofounder of District Taco, a popular fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain. Originally from the town of Tekax in Yucatán, Mexico, Hoil grew up on a small farm, selling newspapers, flowers and popsicles on the street to help provide income for his family. At the age of 17, he came to the United States in search of opportunity, where he began working as a dishwasher in a restaurant. While there, he taught himself English and developed the work ethic that would drive his future success.

His journey into entrepreneurship started after he lost his job in construction during the 2008 financial crisis. Encouraged by neighbor and future business partner, Marc Wallace, Hoil turned his passion for cooking into a business. Together, they launched District Taco in 2009, starting with a simple food cart in Arlington, Virginia.

The concept quickly gained popularity, thanks to Hoil’s commitment to serving authentic Yucatán cuisine, inspired by his mother’s recipes. This success led to the opening of District Taco’s first brick-and-mortar location in 2010. Since then, the chain has expanded to multiple locations across Washington, DC; Maryland; New Jersey; Virginia; and Pennsylvania. In 2016, Hoil was recognized as EY Entrepreneur of the Year in the Mid-Atlantic region.

As District Taco has grown, Hoil has used his success to provide a platform for others to succeed. A steadfast champion of diversity in the workplace, he has earned accolades such as the Diversity in Business Award from the Washington Business Journal and a Gold Stevie for Minority-Owned Business of the Year in the 22nd Annual American Business Awards.

Beyond his business achievements, Hoil is a dedicated husband and the father of three children. He enjoys cycling and tending to livestock on his family’s ranch. In his spare time, he serves as a mentor to both youths and adults, supports community sports programs and speaks to businesses and organizations about his life experiences. His story is a classic example of hard work and persistence leading to the fulfillment of the American Dream.