The founder of Swami's Cafe is taking over North County's Casero Taqueria from the local operators of Board & Brew sandwich shops.
In 2019, Clayton Wheeler and Craig Applegate, the San Diego franchisees of Board & Brew, launched Casero Taqueria in the Square at Bressi Ranch in Carlsbad. Drawing inspiration from their frequent road trips to Baja California, the restaurant features a made-from-scratch menu that reflects the flavors of rustic, family-run taquerias in Mexico. Under their Blacktop Restaurant Group, Wheeler and Applegate manage 10 area Board & Brew locations, previously owned and operated Pure Taco in Carlsbad, and are set to open Odie's Pizza in downtown Oceanside.
Casero, which translates to "homemade" in Spanish, is now being purchased by Jaime Osuna, who opened the first Swami's Cafe on Highway 101 in Encinitas in 2005. Swami's Cafe has since expanded across San Diego County, with locations in Carlsbad, Downtown San Diego, Encinitas, Del Sur, Escondido, La Mesa, North Park, Oceanside, Vista and Hillcrest. Osuna also operates Honey's Bistro & Bakery in Encinitas and helped co-found Cocina de Barrio in partnership with Chef Jose Flores.
Casero Taqueria occupies a large 3,500-square-foot indoor space at The Square, with an additional 1,500-square-foot patio. The restaurant features a walk-up counter where customers place orders, with food prepared over wood fire and served at tables throughout the 155-seat venue.
It is expected that Osuna will continue to operate Casero Taqueria with minimal changes. The menu will maintain its focus on a la carte tacos, with fresh corn tortillas made in-house daily. Popular fillings like carne asada, al pastor, birria, fish, shrimp, and vegetables will remain, along with other Mexican dishes such as salads, tortas, ceviche, and empanadas.
Casero Taqueria is located at 2675 Gateway Drive, Suite 195, in San Diego's North County city of Carlsbad. For more information, visit caserotaqueria.com.
In 2019, Clayton Wheeler and Craig Applegate, the San Diego franchisees of Board & Brew, launched Casero Taqueria in the Square at Bressi Ranch in Carlsbad. Drawing inspiration from their frequent road trips to Baja California, the restaurant features a made-from-scratch menu that reflects the flavors of rustic, family-run taquerias in Mexico. Under their Blacktop Restaurant Group, Wheeler and Applegate manage 10 area Board & Brew locations, previously owned and operated Pure Taco in Carlsbad, and are set to open Odie's Pizza in downtown Oceanside.
Casero, which translates to "homemade" in Spanish, is now being purchased by Jaime Osuna, who opened the first Swami's Cafe on Highway 101 in Encinitas in 2005. Swami's Cafe has since expanded across San Diego County, with locations in Carlsbad, Downtown San Diego, Encinitas, Del Sur, Escondido, La Mesa, North Park, Oceanside, Vista and Hillcrest. Osuna also operates Honey's Bistro & Bakery in Encinitas and helped co-found Cocina de Barrio in partnership with Chef Jose Flores.
Casero Taqueria occupies a large 3,500-square-foot indoor space at The Square, with an additional 1,500-square-foot patio. The restaurant features a walk-up counter where customers place orders, with food prepared over wood fire and served at tables throughout the 155-seat venue.
It is expected that Osuna will continue to operate Casero Taqueria with minimal changes. The menu will maintain its focus on a la carte tacos, with fresh corn tortillas made in-house daily. Popular fillings like carne asada, al pastor, birria, fish, shrimp, and vegetables will remain, along with other Mexican dishes such as salads, tortas, ceviche, and empanadas.
Casero Taqueria is located at 2675 Gateway Drive, Suite 195, in San Diego's North County city of Carlsbad. For more information, visit caserotaqueria.com.
Originally published on September 28, 2024.
