The Taco Stand, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant known for its Baja-inspired tacos and growing national footprint, is being considered for a new location in San Diego’s Mission Valley at 1050 Camino Del Rio South.
The restaurant recently submitted documents to the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality to open in the current home of Tandoor. It is currently unclear if the plans will move forward or when an opening could take place. While Tandoor currently occupies the proposed space, The Taco Stand has hinted at a new Mission Valley opening on its website. If approved and completed, customers can expect The Taco Stand’s signature menu featuring tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and breakfast offerings.
The Taco Stand was founded in San Diego in 2013 by Aram Baloyan and Julian Hakim, who drew inspiration from the flavors of Tijuana and the Baja Peninsula. The brand began in La Jolla and has since expanded across California, Nevada, Texas, and Florida. It operates under Shōwa Hospitality, a San Diego-based group focused on hospitality, food, and culture concepts across the United States.
According to the company’s public materials, The Taco Stand has steadily expanded since its launch, opening multiple Southern California locations, including Downtown San Diego, Encinitas, North Park, and Convoy Street, as well as out-of-state markets such as Las Vegas, Dallas, and Miami. The Mission Valley filing would add another San Diego location to its growing footprint if finalized.
The brand is built around a simple menu centered on tacos made with flame-grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options. Popular items include carne asada, al pastor, pollo asado, grilled shrimp, and Baja-style fish tacos. The menu also includes burritos, quesadillas, and breakfast selections, with house-made salsas ranging from mild to extra spicy.
Shōwa Hospitality, which oversees The Taco Stand brand, was founded by Baloyan and Hakim to develop hospitality-driven food concepts rooted in Mexican street food culture. The group continues to expand The Taco Stand into new markets while maintaining its original fast-casual format and focus on fresh preparation.
While the Mission Valley location is listed in permit documents, no timeline, construction updates, or confirmation of the opening have been announced at this time.
