A family-operated Mexican market and eatery in Citrus Heights is getting ready to grow.
According to a report from the Citrus Heights Sentinel, Valencia’s Carniceria & Taqueria plans to enlarge its eatery by expanding into the neighboring unit, formerly occupied by Subway, at 8040 Greenback Lane in the Sunrise MarketPlace. A recent video shared on the restaurant’s social media page offers a teaser of the under-construction space, revealing a significantly larger footprint.
The original Valencia’s was launched in Orangevale by Don Gill and Maria Valencia, who immigrated from Michoacán in the mid-1980s. The family brought the concept to Citrus Heights in November 2001, where it has continued to flourish for over two decades.
Valencia’s blends a traditional carnicería (butcher shop), taquería (taco shop), and panadería (bakery) into an all-in-one destination. The upcoming expansion will allow for additional indoor restaurant seating and a more spacious experience overall, giving diners more room to linger over meals.
Inside the market, shelves are stocked with hard-to-find Mexican staples and fresh produce such as papayas, mangos, plantains, and limes, while the taquería dishes out an impressive lineup of traditional favorites, from tacos, burritos, and tamales to tortas, enchiladas, and chile rellenos.
Meanwhile, the carnicería offers cut-to-order meats including beef, chicken, and seafood, alongside cheeses and prepared meals. Tempting rows of classic Mexican sweet breads and cookies can be found at the panadería.
While the expansion was originally slated for a spring debut, the timeline has shifted slightly. The Valencia family now anticipates opening the new space in June 2026. Until then, customers can continue to visit the existing market and taquería next door.
