By Kathy Chouteau
Answering the pressing question on the minds of many Richmond residents, La Casita Don Chuy is poised to take over the former Portumex spot on 23rd Street.
The new restaurant, which looks to bring authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of Richmond, is the brainchild of Jesus Saldana and his family, who have deep roots in the community. It’s set to open in early-to-mid June when they will have a “Grand Opening.”
The Saldana family has lived in Richmond for more than three decades, with Jesus Saldana running a popular taco stand at the Richmond Flea Market for the past 15 years. Now, the family is ready to go next level with their culinary expertise by opening their first brick-and-mortar restaurant. The soon-to-open eatery is named in honor of Jesus Saldana, affectionately known as “Don Chuy.”
Jonathan Saldana, Jesus’ son, shared the significance behind the restaurant’s name. “La Casita means ‘the little house,’ and Don is a term of respect for someone older, like ‘Mr.’ or ‘Sir.’ Chuy is a nickname for Jesus. So, the name reflects our family’s heritage and respect for our elders,” he shared.
The decision to open La Casita Don Chuy at the former Portumex location was serendipitous, according to Jonathan. The Saldana family were longtime customers of Portumex and had a close relationship with its longtime owners, Tony and Maria Mora. When the opportunity arose to take over the spot, it felt right.
“Portumex was a huge staple in the heart of Richmond, and for this to fall into our lap, it was like destiny,” Jonathan told the Standard. The new restaurant will offer a menu that highlights the rich culinary traditions of Jalisco and Michoacan, the regions where Jesus and his wife hail from. Diners can expect to enjoy a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including tacos with seven different meat varieties, shrimp and fish options, mole from Michoacan, and Menudo on the weekends.
Along with the tasty food options, La Casita Don Chuy aims to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that brings the community together. The restaurant is currently undergoing cosmetic changes to give it a fresh, modern look while maintaining the indoor-outdoor layout that Portumex patrons loved. According to Jonathan, his family wants to bring a homestyle cooking experience to Richmond, with the goal of creating a place where everyone can come together and enjoy great food.
The Saldana family is committed to hiring locally and is currently accepting applications for various positions at the restaurant, including food runners, preppers, line cooks, cashiers, dishwashers, and tortilla makers. Those interested can find applications on La Casita Don Chuy’s Instagram page (@lacasitadonchuy) English/Spanish links and submit them via email to [email protected].
Keep an eye out for the restaurant’s Grand Opening, after which community members can find the restaurant at 721 23rd Street in Richmond. For more updates, follow La Casita Don Chuy on Instagram.
