Welcome to Taco States of America

Hi friends,

Sometimes people ask, "What is Taco States of America?" Not that many people, actually, because hardly anyone knows about it. But if I were ever to meet a curious person who wanted to know what TSA is all about, I would have this answer ready.

First, let's describe what TSA is not.

It is not a review website. We do display a star rating and reviews when we have them, but review websites have no incentive to delete the points awarded from your review after a year, as we do.
It is not a reward program. Yes, we unlock some merch for users who collect enough states, but reward programs typically charge restaurants to participate and only dish out prizes if you spend enough money. We do neither of those things.
It is not a political movement. Yes, we put up yard signs like those seen during election season, but do not ask us who we are voting for because the answer will only ever be "Al Pastor." In 20 years the political landscape will have changed several times over, but people will still want to know which taco shop is the best.

Ok, so what is it then?

It is a science project. We have a question and have built an apparatus to help us find an answer. The question: Which taco shop is the best? The answer is determined by a weighted sum of votes, tournament victories, and any time you designate a taco shop as the best ever.
It is an art project. Like the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris where everyone hangs a love lock, or the bubblegum wall in Seattle. But instead of hanging a lock on a fence, you are leaving a gift to future taco tourists.
It is a community movement. Every vote, rating, or nomination helps the local shops that TSA was made to support. These shops have been catering our fiestas and weddings and sponsoring our baseball teams without the help of franchise kits and billboards. The science apparatus and the community art project are all pointing eyeballs toward things that are local and real.

That's all! If you have another question for me to answer, go ahead and send it to bjorn@tacostatesofamerica.com. If I like your question, I'll attempt an answer here.

Yours with onion and cilantro, Bjorn