One of Los Angeles’ oldest family-run food institutions is officially back in business. Just weeks after announcing it could close permanently due to rising costs and urgent repairs, Cielito Lindo has reopened on Olvera Street after more than 900 supporters helped raise over $52,000 through a GoFundMe campaign.
“After six long weeks behind the scenes, we’re finally open!” the family shared on social media.
A community effort that paid off
In May, the fourth-generation owners revealed they were facing expensive electrical repairs, overdue rent, city fees, and rising operating costs that threatened the future of the nearly century-old taquito stand.
After asking the community for help, donations poured in. More than 900 people contributed to the fundraiser, allowing the family to reopen and begin recovering from the financial strain. The stand is currently operating with limited hours as it gets back up and running.
“We’ve already served hundreds of you over the last couple of days and boy were you jonesing for taquitos and avocado sauce!” the family wrote, thanking supporters for making their return possible.
A Los Angeles tradition now lives on
Founded by Aurora Guerrero, a single immigrant mother from Zacatecas, Mexico, Cielito Lindo has been serving its famous hand-rolled taquitos with signature avocado sauce on Olvera Street for generations.
Today, the business is still run by Guerrero’s fourth-generation granddaughters, making it one of Los Angeles’ longest-standing family-owned food traditions.
In a city where historic businesses continue to disappear, Cielito Lindo’s reopening is a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to support a local landmark.
