With the increasing presence of popular fast food chains, such as Taco Bell and Chipotle, in New York City, it seems strange that Chinese business owners are continuing their efforts to open restaurants specializing in Mexican cuisine. Nevertheless, the success of some of these restaurants indicates an enduring demand for Mexican food.
The map below shows several notable Chinese-owned Mexican restaurants located throughout New York City.
Evidently, a majority of Chinese-owned Mexican restaurants are located in Manhattan. Others are scattered throughout the remaining boroughs. This may be due, in part, to racial demographics (refer to page on customer base). Population and density, however, appear to be greater factors for business owners when choosing locations to set up their restaurants.
The chart below illustrates the population distribution among the five boroughs of New York City.
The following table reveals the density of each borough.
| Borough | Density (inh./km²) |
| Queens | 8,168.6 |
| Brooklyn | 14,132.9 |
| Bronx | 13,012.4 |
| Manhattan | 27,503.3 |
| Staten Island | 3,126.2 |
Although Manhattan is only the third most populated borough, following Brooklyn and Queens, it is the most dense. As a result, restaurants located in Manhattan are more inclined to experience a greater customer flow, which is probably why most owners have chosen to establish their businesses in that borough.
