The Roots in CDMX
Jonatan Garay arrived in the U.S. to study finance, dreaming of Wall Street. But as semesters passed at SMU, homesickness tugged harder than any stock ticker. He found himself craving the simple magic of a neighborhood taco stand: the hiss of tortillas on a plancha, the communal hum of late-night crowds, and the unpretentious comfort of a perfectly warmed tortilla wrapped around seasoned meat. That memory of paying the local taquero for his guacamole recipe and feeling it transport him straight back to his neighborhood – became Chilangos’ North Star.
From Homesick Dream to Bold Vision
Spotting a void in Dallas: plenty of Tex-Mex chains, almost no genuine CDMX-style tacos done with passion. Jonatan saw an opportunity not just to serve food, but to efend a culture that was too often watered down for mass appeal. He wanted ilangos to be unapologetically Mexican – every detail mattered, from nixtamal tortillas and multiple scratch-made salsas to the jarritos wall that nods to your a true mexican experience.
The Unapologetic Promise
From day one, pricing was about investing in craft. As Jonatan puts it, “Our masa takes time; our meats demand respect. If that costs more, so be it.” This confidence-rooted in expert technique and fierce pride – became the brand’s defining swagger.
Beyond Tacos: A Cultural Ambassador
Chilangos isn’t content to stop at tacos. Jonatan’s vision stretches to cumbia-fueled playlists, community-focused events, and custom merch. He sees the brand as a bridge – educating Americans about the depth of Mexican culinary traditions, celebrating Mexico City’s street-food, and elevating food standards for every customer. It’s food as cultural diplomacy.
About Chilangos Tacos
Chilangos Tacos is a Mexican-owned and operated fast-casual taquería specializing in Mexico City street food. Founded by Jonatan Garay, the company operates locations in Dallas, TX, Nashville, TN, and Las Vegas, NV. The brand’s mission is to modernize taco culture while honoring traditional CDMX cooking techniques, using high-quality ingredients, and building community through cultural pride, one chingón bite at a time. Follow the movement at www.chilangostacos.com or @chilangostacos on Instagram.
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