~Reimagined in Hood River~
Enrique and Maria Ortega own and operate Lake Taco, a popular traditional Mexican restaurant located in Hood River, OR. Lake Taco’s authentic homestyle foods have been well received in the community and the restaurant enjoys success with a large local customer base. When Lake Taco’s lease at 1213 June Street expired late in 2022, Enrique and Maria moved their restaurant into a larger space at 606 Oak Street with support through the Next Door’s Promoting Prosperity Program. The 
opportunity presented by the vacant space at Lake Taco’s original location began the journey to open Cups and Memories, Enrique’s vision of a tea-centered café that would serve the family’s signature tortillas.
With his wife and brothers in full support, Enrique leveraged the support gained through his experience with The Next Door’s PPP program to apply for and receive financial assistance from the Mount Hood Economic Alliance, which provided the capital needed to build out and open the Ortega family’s newest venture. Cups & Memories opened in August 2025 at 1213 June Street in Hood River, OR.
“It’s not a café. It’s not a restaurant. It’s not what you’re used to. It’s something designed to make you pause… and feel.”