by Gladstone, MO – The beloved La Tiara taco shells, which vanished from shelves earlier this year, are set to make a highly anticipated return. Following a tumultuous period marked by plant closure and financial difficulties, General Mills has acquired the brand and plans to reopen the manufacturing facility in January 2026.
The announcement has sparked excitement among fans who have long missed their favorite crunchy taco shells, signaling a revival of a staple in Mexican cuisine products.
The Unexpected Closure and Market Impact
Earlier this year, production at the La Tiara taco shell plant in Gladstone, Missouri, ceased due to construction-related disruptions and mounting costs. Owned by Gladstone Food Products, the shutdown left many customers disappointed and raised concerns as the company reportedly owed over $5 million to creditors at the time.
Following the closure, a passionate community formed on Facebook called “Please Bring Back La Tiara Taco Shells,” which amassed nearly 20,000 members, highlighting the brand’s loyal consumer base.
General Mills Steps In to Revive La Tiara
General Mills, a major player in the food industry already familiar with the taco shell market through its ownership of the Old El Paso brand, acquired the assets of Gladstone Food Products. Mollie Wulff, a spokesperson for General Mills, stated,
“We look forward to welcoming the well-loved La Tiara brand to the General Mills family of brands.”
The Gladstone City Council recently heard that the reopening of the La Tiara plant is progressing faster than expected. Production is scheduled to resume in January 2026, with plans to boost employment from 20 to 70 staff members and operate three shifts to enhance output.
- Over 40 companies bid for the acquisition, showcasing significant industry interest.
- The purchase reportedly cost around $10 million, though exact financial details remain undisclosed.
- The plant’s new operational scale aims to meet growing demand efficiently.
Community Reaction and Future Prospects
Fans of La Tiara taco shells have expressed immense joy about the brand’s revival, though some have questions about product consistency under new ownership.
An article from The Independent offers further insights into this exciting development, underscoring the brand’s significance in the food industry.
City Manager Robert Baer remarked, “The resumed production is happening much quicker than anticipated,” signaling positive momentum.
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Looking Ahead: What This Means for Taco Enthusiasts
General Mills’ investment in La Tiara signals not just a revival but an expansion of the crunchy taco shell market. With increased production capacity and staffing, consumers can expect enhanced availability and potentially more innovative product offerings in the future.
- Expanded workforce by 50 new employees.
- Three-shift operations to maximize output.
- Integration of La Tiara into General Mills’ well-established food product portfolio.
For fans and food lovers, the return of La Tiara taco shells promises a delicious comeback worth celebrating.
What do you think about this comeback of a cherished taco shell brand? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
