A once-ubiquitous Tijuana-style taco chain is making a surprising return in Sacramento.
Chando’s Tacos founder Lisandro “Chando” Madrigal has announced plans to reopen three locations after shuttering all restaurants in late July. The first will debut on November 1 at 5665 Power Inn Rd, followed by outposts at 863 Arden Way and Sacramento State’s University Union in the coming weeks.
During its summer shutdown, Chando’s cited “economic factors and circumstances beyond our control that have deeply impacted the restaurant industry.” Shortly after the closures, Chando’s Cantina Zazon Del Mar opened on K Street in downtown Sacramento, keeping the brand from disappearing entirely.
At its peak, Chando’s Tacos operated nine shops throughout Greater Sacramento, but Madrigal later told the Sacramento Business Journal the company had expanded too quickly and become “unmanageable.”
Now, he says he’s bringing the brand back to its roots with an “old-school” feel, tightened quality control, and a new team. The relaunch will also feature fresh hires and tortillas from Valencia’s, a Colusa-based vendor helping keep costs down.
The comeback coincides with mounting legal troubles for Madrigal, who faces felony domestic violence and battery charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty. A hearing is scheduled for November 6 in Sacramento County Superior Court. Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed in September alleges he abandoned Chando’s former Fair Oaks restaurant and failed to pay rent.
Beyond the brick-and-mortars, Chando’s food trucks are expected to keep rolling, though Madrigal says he has no major expansion plans on the horizon. Stay tuned for updates as Chando’s Tacos reenters Sacramento’s dining scene.
