Granville Island opened in 1978 and attracts more than 10 million people annually. It is in this beloved public market destination that Mexico City native Boris Schaffer decided to open La Tortilleria in 1986. Specializing in healthy, fast food traditional Mexican fare, his take-out eatery became an instant hit with Vancouverites. The menu is a smorgasbord of the best of Mexican cuisine – with a selection of specialties like enchiladas, fajitas and tacos – everything Boris grew up on.
“Grazyna (Martusewicz) and I worked for Boris for many years and we always got along really well,” says La Tortilleria co-owner Betty Rodgers. “When Boris decided to sell it, I was initially reluctant to buy – as I was a single mother with two small children – however, Grazyna and I both knew the food was delicious and it already had a strong following.”
The two took over the well-established taqueria in August 1998. They haven’t looked back. “Today, we have long-time customers whose children are now our customers,” adds Betty. In 2012, Eat Magazine rated La Tortilleria one of the top 10 places to eat and shop on Granville Island.
