Modern taqueria Taco Chelo opens downtown Tempe location.

Courtesy Taco Chelo

Taco Chelo announced it is expanding with a new location slated to open in downtown Tempe next month.

Located near Arizona State University on the northeast corner of College Avenue and 6th Street, the 1,600-square-foot restaurant is primely situated along the bustling thoroughfare of College Avenue directly adjacent to Postino Annex and Snooze, a press release explained.

A downtown Phoenix staple, Taco Chelo has been a modern taqueria combining culinary and visual arts since 2018.

“I grew up in the East Valley, which makes bringing the restaurant to my old stomping grounds in Tempe even more special,” said Aaron Chamberlin, co-owner of Taco Chelo, in the release.

A collaboration by longtime restaurateur Chamberlin, Chef Suny Santana and artist Gennaro Garcia, Taco Chelo is revered for its concise menu of tacos wrapped in hand-pressed, made-to-order tortillas, signature entrees and curated cocktails. 

Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, Santana’s family recipes and traditional cooking methods take center stage. Taco Chelo is named for her mother Consuelo, nicknamed “Chelo,” who has influenced his cooking style.  

“Building community through food has always been the goal. Connecting guests with a place that honors my heritage, and having it be so well-received that we can do it again, is beyond what I could have imagined,” said Santana in the release.

A hallmark of Taco Chelo is the art and design led by Garcia, which plays an integral role in defining the unique character of the taqueria that features custom-made artwork; handcrafted furniture and lighting; and handmade tile and finishes that are thoughtfully curated from artisans across Arizona and Mexico. 

A restaurant design veteran with a portfolio consisting of Tempe Public Market Cafe, Barrio Queen, Ghost Ranch, and more across Spain and Mexico, Garcia is a native of Sonora, Mexico and incorporates his cultural background into each element of the design.

“The design at Taco Chelo Tempe is different than anything I’ve ever done before,” said Garcia in the release. “It plays on the elements people know and love from the original restaurant, but it’s going to inject a new level of vibrancy for a truly immersive experience.”

Taco Chelo Tempe will be located at 521 S. College Ave., Suite 112 and is expected to open by the end of the year. For more, visit TacoChelo.com.