The Abridged version:
- Island Tacos will close Sept. 30 after 21 years in business, according to a sign on its door.
- It was founded by Jalisco natives Antonio and Maria Valderrama in a Folsom Boulevard parking lot.
- Island Tacos is known in East Sacramento for its affordable dishes, all of which cost $9 or less.
Island Tacos will close at the end of the month after 21 years in East Sacramento, according to a sign posted on its window Monday morning.
The pint-sized taco stand in a Folsom Boulevard parking lot will serve its last customers on Sept. 30, according to the sign.
“We’re deeply grateful for every conversation, every purchase, and every familiar face that walked through our doors,” the sign read. “You made this business more than just a place of work — you made it part of our story, and we hope we were part of yours.”
Sign Up for the City of Treats Newsletter
Get the latest Sacramento food news from Benjy Egel in City of Treats — delivered every Tuesday.
Antonio and Maria Valderrama, immigrants from the Mexican state Jalisco, opened Island Tacos in 2005 and continue to run it today. Antonio had previously cooked at longtime Mexican institution 524 Restaurant, which started in Downtown Sacramento before moving to Northgate Boulevard (and closing last year), his son Jose said.
The couple’s kids all worked at Island Tacos at various times, but earned degrees and pursued their own careers, Jose said. With Antonio and Maria ready to retire, there was no one to take it over.
Island Tacos’ interior houses only a small kitchen, a counter for ordering and a fridge full of Jarritos, Mexican Coke and Peñafiel. There are only two tables outside, too. But customers popping in from nearby businesses such as Trader Joe’s, CVS and Ace Hardware sustained it for more than two decades, despite being across 51st Street from sit-down Mexican restaurant East Patio Mexicano.
Affordable prices helped entice customers, too. Nothing on Island Tacos’ limited menu costs more than $9, and tacos themselves are a mere $2.25 apiece in a neighborhood otherwise known for high costs of living. Bean-and-cheese burritos are just $6.50, and chicken or pork tamales go for $2.50.
