The al pastor spit is the heart of Tacos El Franc’s operation — and soon, it could be spinning in Fresno. Photo visa Tacos El Franc
As seen on Netflix — a Michelin recognized Mexican restaurant is coming to a former Fresno comic shop.
Tacos El Franc’s expansion into Fresno marks the next chapter for a nearly 30-year-old family business that turned its small Tijuana-based taqueria into a Michelin-recognized brand with a Netflix spotlight.
It’s now betting that the Central Valley is hungry for what San Diego’s two Tacos El Franc locations already offer.
The popular family-owned and operated taqueria is known for its loaded tacos and mulitas, which are filled with grilled meat, beans, salsa and a creamy avocado sauce — then topped with onion and cilantro between two tortillas.
Tacos El Franc was founded in 1996 by family patriarch Don Javier Valadez, who sold tacos out of a small corner shop in Tijuana, Mexico.
Heroes Comics closed in 2023 after 33 years in operation, with the owner citing rising rent and a desire to spend time with family. Heroes Facebook photo
Valadez and family eventually grew the business, acquiring two additional locations — one in the Gaslamp quarter of San Diego, and the other, inside of National City’s Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall.
The family business’s popularity gained the attention of Netflix producers, who featured the taqueria in season one of the streaming platform’s popular Taco Chronicles show.
Food critics also took notice, ranking Tacos El Franc in The Michelin Guide, an internationally recognized restaurant rating system.
“Our tacos are recognized by experts and fans alike,” according to the Tacos El Franc website. “We bring authentic Mexican recipes to the table while keeping every dish fresh and consistent.”
Fresno’s first Tacos El Franc restaurant will be located at 110 E. Shaw Ave. near Blackstone Avenue, in the storefront formerly occupied by Heroes Comics. Heroes closed in 2023 after 34 years of business. The property is owned by the Erganian Family Partnership, LLP.