El Paso institution Chico’s Tacos reopens to crowds looking to get their food fix

EL PASO, Texas -- Fans of rolled tacos submerged in spicy sauce and smothered with shredded cheese, rejoice.

El Paso food institution Chico's Tacos re-opened its doors Friday to diners.

It's the first time the decades-old restaurant has operated since the pandemic forced many restaurants to close their doors or alter their services.

Lines were already forming outside the location on Dyer Street in Central El Paso at lunchtime Friday.

"I'm excited! I missed it," said Fabian Tellez, who joined other customers outside of the location on George Dieter Drive near Rojas Drive on the eastside.

Tellez told ABC-7 he was glad Chico's is back.

"I told my co-workers, 'Hey, we need to go at lunch and get some Chico's,'" he said.

Other customers told ABC-7 this was the first time they had dined inside a restaurant since the stay-at-home orders were issued by the City of El Paso in mid-March.