The Return of Chacho's

December 03, 2011

It is perhaps fitting that on September 16, seasoned business owner George (Jorge) Sanchez finally got the keys to the building that will soon be the second coming of Chacho’s restaurant in downtown San Jose. That date of course is the anniversary of Mexico’s Independence. For George it is his independence of sorts as he re-opens a business that many long time San Jose diners remember fondly. The original Chacho’s, located across the street from San Pedro Square, was opened by the Sanchez family in 1994. But with this new venture George is partnered with Mauricio Mejia, another long time downtown business owner and promoter. Now located at 87 E. San Fernando, near the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, George is making plans for a mid-December grand opening. Diners will be met with a restyled look for Chacho’s. The interior boosts many historic photos of Mexico’s cultural and revolutionary past courtesy of George’s many trips to his native country over the years. But in keeping with the new generation of Latinos that live in the Silicon Valley the walls of restaurant also showcase works from local artists like painter Francisco Franco. When asked why re-open in downtown George replies, “Downtown has always been in our heart, it’s where we started, our family business was here for 14 years.” Chacho’s menu will feature once again favorites like Enchiladas Suizas topped with creamy white sauce, Steak a la Chicana, Blue Monkey Tacos, mole imported from Toluca in the State of Mexico and of course the always popular Margaritas. “It will be good to hear the clatter of drinking glasses again,” he jokes as he mentions that Chacho’s will be open seven days a week offering breakfast, lunch and dinner in addition to the catering currently available. With many years of experience as a business owner under his belt George offers the following advice to other Latinos seeking to start their own venture whether it is a restaurant or not: “First, ask questions, lots of them, ask experts in the field that interests you, learn from them. Second, do your homework, there are no simple directions for opening your business, find out who can help you in the city, for example, with getting permits and approvals for getting your business started. Third, resources, find them, tap into them, get to know those who can help you. I am always eager to help somebody, for me the more Latinos in business the better, I’m willing to share my resources.” Congratulations George Sanchez and Mauricio Mejia for the Grand Opening on January 19, 2012.