A taqueria that’s been operating since last year at the location formerly occupied by Weinerschnitzel in San Pablo received approval Monday to sell beer and wine, which the owner says will help his business survive COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
The San Pablo City Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit to allow El Mezcal Taqueria at 14260 San Pablo Ave. to sell beer and wine during business hours no later than 7:30 p.m. The family-owned restaurant opens daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
A Council-approved permit was needed to sell beer and wine given the restaurant is located in a what is deemed a high-crime area. The permit was also approved by the city’s Planning Commission.
Francisco Supulveda, owner of Taqueria El Mescal, said the business aims to “create a wonderful dining experience in a great family environment.”
The family also has sister restaurants in San Leandro, San Lorenzo an Hayward, all of which also have beer an wine licenses.
Supulveda says the ability to serve beer and wine along with meals in San Pablo will help the business recover from the pandemic.
“…After pandemic restrictions, our sales dropped and we had to lay off some employees,” Supulveda said. “Now that we can serve outside and partially inside dining and beer/wine will definitely increase sales.”
The owner hopes to grow the restaurant’s staff from the current five employees to 15 after all pandemic restrictions are lifted.
