Popular Phoenix taquería Taco Chelo is spreading its culinary wings with the opening of a new storefront in Tempe, slated to welcome customers starting May 10. The well-regarded eatery dazzles patrons with its innovative Mexican fare and vibrant ambiance, courtesy of a trinity of Phoenix's culinary and artistic talents: Chef Suny Santana, artist Gennaro Garcia, and restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin. Fans of the original downtown Phoenix digs can find the new spot at 521 S. College Avenue Suite 112, Aaron Chamberlin enthused about the locale in an interview with ABC15, sighting, "We're right next to Postino and Snooze. And, you know, we just thought this would be a great, great place to go for [our next] location."
With a menu mirroring their downtown offerings, Tempe's Taco Chelo aims to maintain the same standard of flavor that has cemented its reputation. Their renown stems, in part, from the restaurant's dedication to local ingredients and the artistic touch of Garcia, whose work isn’t merely confined to décor but extends to the plate, influencing both presentation and taste. According to A Taste of AZ, Taco Chelo prides itself on fresh produce from local farms and has taken a health-conscious approach by using 100% extra virgin olive oil instead of seed oils.
Garcia's artistic influence will continue to be a defining feature in the Tempe outpost, with a unique aesthetic punctuating the new space. In a statement obtained by A Taste of AZ, Garcia describes the Tempe restaurant's vibe as "completely different," as he adorns it with hand-carved Mexican retablos and neon-illuminated custom Talavera plates, ensuring that the visual experience complements the culinary one.
The Downtown taco joint became a hit shortly after opening in 2018, partly due to Chamberlin’s storied career, which includes appearances on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" and Chef Santana’s heartfelt dishes inspired by his mother’s recipes. Despite these accolades, the team isn't resting on their laurels – the Tempe location is bringing newcomers to the table, like the Taco Americano and the Doradita quesadilla. The eatery's hours will mirror the original with operations from Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., while doors will officially open to the Tempe public on May 10, at 11 a.m.
The resonance of Taco Chelo’s philosophy is clear, capturing a balance of taste, tradition, and visual pleasure. With its seeds already firmly planted in the Phoenix dining scene, the Tempe expansion of Taco Chelo invites a wider audience to experience what happens when a chef, an artist, and a chef-turned-restaurateur join forces. Fittingly nestled near Arizona State University, Chapel Team believes the new venue, with its advanced space and different clientele promises to be an exciting addition to the culinary fixtures of the area. More information about the taquería and its exact offerings is available on their website, ready for food enthusiasts to dig in.
