5 Jaw-Dropping Facts About El Pastor Del Rica: Canelo Álvarez’s Taqueria Empire Expanding To The US

The name "El Pastor Del Rica" is currently a buzzword in the culinary and celebrity world, not because of a religious figure, but as the name of a rapidly expanding taqueria empire co-owned by one of the world's most famous athletes, Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the taqueria is making headlines for its ambitious expansion across the border, bringing its authentic Guadalajara-style street food to the United States. This move solidifies Canelo's status not just as a boxing champion but as a serious business mogul, cementing his taqueria as a must-try destination for both boxing fans and taco enthusiasts alike. The restaurant, founded in Mexico, is renowned for its dedication to traditional Mexican cuisine, particularly its namesake dish, the classic *tacos al pastor*. The new US location in Chula Vista, California, is a direct challenge to the established taco scene, promising a fresh, high-quality, and celebrity-backed dining experience.

Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez: The Boxer-Turned-Taqueria Mogul

The driving force and star power behind the *El Pastor Del Rica* brand is the undisputed super middleweight champion of the world, Saúl "Canelo" Álvarez. His business acumen rivals his boxing prowess, with the taqueria being just one jewel in his growing commercial portfolio.

• Full Name: Santos Saúl Álvarez Barragán
• Date of Birth: July 18, 1990
• Place of Birth: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
• Boxing Career Highlights: Undisputed Super Middleweight Champion, four-division world champion.
• Business Co-Founder: Ricardo Álvarez (his brother and restaurant partner).
• Taqueria Founding Year: 2014, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
• Other Business Ventures: 'I Can' fitness app, Canelo Energy (gas stations), VMC (canned cocktails), Yaoca (supplements), and a clothing line.
• Estimated Net Worth: Reportedly over $200 million, largely due to his boxing contracts and diverse business portfolio.

Canelo's involvement is more than just a celebrity endorsement; he and his brother, Ricardo Álvarez, are deeply committed to ensuring the taqueria maintains the authentic, street-style flavors of their home state of Jalisco.

The Sizzling History: From Guadalajara Street Food to US Expansion

The story of *El Pastor Del Rica* is rooted in the rich culinary tradition of Guadalajara, Mexico. It began not as a celebrity vanity project, but as a genuine effort to bring high-quality, traditional Mexican street tacos to the masses.

A 2014 Start in Jalisco

The original taqueria was founded in 2014 by the Álvarez brothers in Guadalajara. It quickly gained fame locally for its mouthwatering *tacos al pastor* and other Mexican staples. The name itself is a clever play on words, combining the signature dish (*al pastor*) with a reference to the Álvarez family or the richness of the food (*rica* or *rico*). The success of the original location laid the groundwork for a broader vision.

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The Landmark Chula Vista Opening

The biggest news for the brand came in late 2024 with the opening of its first United States location in Chula Vista, California. The new taqueria, located at 645 Broadway, is a significant milestone, marking the brand's international debut and a direct connection between the culinary scenes of Jalisco and Southern California.

The Chula Vista location is strategically positioned to tap into the massive taco-loving community in the San Diego area, promising to replicate the authentic experience found south of the border.

The Essential Menu: What Makes the Tacos So Famous?

While the celebrity backing draws the crowds, the food is what keeps them coming back. *El Pastor Del Rica* is built around the fundamental principles of traditional Mexican taquerias: fresh ingredients, flavorful marinades, and meat cooked to perfection. The menu is concise, focusing on quality over quantity, with several must-try items that have become fan favorites.

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1. The Signature Taco Al Pastor

The cornerstone of the menu is the *Taco Pastor*. This dish features pork marinated in a distinctive blend of dried chiles, spices, and achiote, then stacked onto a vertical spit known as a *trompo*. The meat is slow-cooked as the spit rotates, then thinly shaved directly onto a warm tortilla. It’s typically topped with a slice of pineapple, onion, and cilantro, delivering a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.

2. Beyond the Pastor: Other Essential Tacos

While the *Pastor* is the star, the taqueria offers a variety of other classic Mexican street tacos that showcase different cuts and preparations of meat. These items form the backbone of the menu and are crucial to the restaurant's topical authority in authentic Mexican cuisine:

• Taco Asada: Grilled beef, a staple in any taqueria.
• Taco Suadero: A thin cut of beef, famous for its juicy and tender texture.
• Taco Chorizo: Spicy, heavily seasoned pork sausage.
• Taco Carnaza: A rich, flavorful cut of beef.
• Taco Campechano: A popular mixed taco, typically combining *asada* and *chorizo*.

3. Specialty Dishes and Sides

The menu extends beyond simple tacos to include other Mexican favorites, providing a complete street-food experience:

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• Gringas: A flour tortilla filled with *al pastor* meat and melted cheese, similar to a quesadilla.
• Volcanes: A crispy tortilla base (tostada) topped with meat and cheese, often served open-faced.
• Lonchecito: A small, savory sandwich, a traditional favorite in Jalisco.
• Bebidas (Drinks): A selection of Mexican sodas and beverages, and in the US location, beer and wine are also available.

The commitment to these authentic preparations is what distinguishes *El Pastor Del Rica* from more Americanized taco shops. The food is a direct, flavorful export from the taqueria culture of Jalisco, providing a taste of Mexico that is both traditional and elevated by the Canelo brand.