Tacos El Franc set to open in San Diego in May
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These popular Tijuana adobada and carne asada tacos are coming to San Diego. Photo: Tacos El Franc
Tacos El Franc is about to make its U.S. debut.
Why it matters: People are obsessed with this Tijuana institution that could quickly take the title of San Diego's best taco shop.
Driving the news: The taqueria is set to open in late May at Westfield Plaza Bonita in National City after years of anticipation.
- Tacos El Franc started as a street cart by Javier Valadez in 1974, opened its first shop in 1996 and is now coming to California, where many of its loyal customers live.
- One of Tijuana's busiest and essential taquerias, it was featured on Netflix's "Taco Chronicles" and earned Michelin Guide recognition last year.
Best bites: It's known for tasty adobada shaved off a spit and charcoal-grilled carne asada street tacos served on corn tortillas and smothered with fresh guacamole.
- The stuffed quesadilla con carne is also a hit.
The intrigue: The team is adding fries made with beef tallow to the U.S. menus, and regulars will be able to order their favorites from the Tijuana location's secret menu.
Zoom in: When customers walk in, it should feel and smell like they're eating at the original spot, co-owner Roberto Kelly told Axios. They'll hear the sizzling and chopping from the kitchen over Mexican music while sitting at the counter or tables inside.
- The casual eatery will use the same recipes and high-quality meats that draw lunchtime and late-night crowds. It'll be open from 11am to midnight — or later on some nights.
- And it'll serve signature agua frescas (horchata, jamaica and naranja), and Mexican beer, micheladas and clamatos from the cheve-bar.
Between the lines: Kelly has been thinking about bringing Tacos El Franc to San Diego since his first bite as a teenager in 1998. He would cross the border just about every week for the tacos.
- After two decades, he convinced a cautious Valadez family to partner up, along with local restaurateur Salvador Lombroso.
What they're saying: Valadez mastered the art of the taco, Kelly said.
- "There are some things in life that you cannot explain properly through words, you have to experience them," he told Axios. "This is one of them."
What's next: They plan to open a second shop in Gaslamp on Fifth Avenue later this year, Kelly said. It's part of an "aggressive" expansion to the U.S. with several locations, including in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.