Boca Grande Has a New Owner and an Upcoming Cambridge Spot

Boca Grande Taqueria. / Photo via Facebook.

It’s been a rough year for Boca Grande. The 30-year-old Mexican chain—estranged sister company to Anna’s Taqueria—recently shuttered four of its five locations, including its original storefront in Porter Square. The only current location is in East Cambridge, near the CambridgeSide Galleria.

But in the wake of these closures, Boca Grande has a change in ownership, and a plan for a new Cambridge taqueria coming later this year.

Wicked Local Cambridge reported founder Mariko Kamio has retired. Taking the reigns is Silvia Whitman, a Boca Grande employee of 25 years, who’s currently the district general manager. Whitman hopes to preserve the taqueria’s legacy by embracing customer suggestions. She’ll offer more vegetarian options, like salad bowls and tofu, and plans to add delivery options. Boca’s original menu of signature burritos and quesadillas will remain intact, with rotating daily specials in the future.

“We’re going to be doing some small cosmetic renovations, and we’re also going to have four delivery companies working for us,” Whitman told Wicked Local. “People were concerned that Boca Grande might be closing, but I want them to know that I’m going to continue it and we’re working hard.”

The new Cambridge location could debut as early as November, Whitman said.

Boca Grande opened its first location in Porter Square back in 1986, and according to Whitman, it was the first Tex-Mex restaurant in Boston.

Boca Grande, 149 First St., Cambridge, 617-354-5550, bocagranderestaurant.com.