In addition to its many franchise locations, King Taco is known for sponsoring sports events and other forms of community outreach based in the L.A. area. (via King Taco)

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Martinez was reported to have earned $75 in his first day as the inventor of the taco truck. He would go on to funnel that money into the creation of a brick-and-mortar taco joint, King Taco. Between the day he opened his first permanent location and his death, King Taco expanded out across the L.A. area to the tune of 21 franchises.

It's another significant historical contribution, given that Mexican fast food restaurants were relatively uncommon when he began building the King Taco empire. The flagship location, King Taco #2, has gone on to become a critical landmark in the mind of many Angelenos. All locations were closed on Dec. 3 as a sign of respect.

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