Ryan Stefanelli—The Taco Tracker Exploring the great taco trucks of town

The O.G. Taco Truck

These days, it seems there’s a food truck on every corner, and there’s no shortage in variety either. That’s a far cry from the food truck scene in 1985, when there was only one operating in Chico—Tacos Cortes, created by local taco truck legend Rodolfo Cortes. The truck’s success led to the opening of a brick and mortar of the same name, which most locals are familiar with, and encouraged others to strike out in search of their own taco truck success. The first to follow Rodolfo were Javier and Leticia Morales of Modesto, who moved to Chico in 1988, deciding to strike while the griddle was hot!

The two made quick work of their arrival in Chico, securing a commissary, location to operate their new taco truck, a place to live, and acquiring all of the necessary permits to open their new taco truck in just four short hours. They returned to Modesto, completed their plans and paperwork, and returned to Chico several months later to lift the large side door of their new truck, welcoming customers to El Grullense at Old Taylor’s parking lot on the corner of E. 11th Street and Park Avenue. This location was also my first memory of enjoying Javier’s delicious tacos, as an eight-year-old asking my dad for two, with beef, and to hold the onions. through several changes and different locations, at one time selling the business entirely to a friend—who still operates the E. Park Avenue location—and moving to Texas. Luckily for our community, they returned in 2016 and reopened under their current name, El Original Super Grullense, and took up residence in the NS Fit parking lot, across from Home Depot, on Skyway in Chico. The return wasn’t without its struggles, and Leticia prayed in her weekly church group hoping their old customers would find them. Within a few short weeks, her prayers were answered, and the parking lot was full once again. Javier found his groove, and the truck has been bustling ever since.

Nowadays, Javier and Leticia are known throughout town for their amazing al pastor and secret salsa which, we can confirm, makes every bit of difference. After operating for 33 years, Javier has no intentions of slowing down any time soon, as evidenced by the happiness delivered in his large smile which greets you at every visit. We couldn’t be happier to know that’s the case.

Visit El Original Super Grullense and see why this Chico staple has been going strong for 33 years, but do yourself a favor and forget my eight-year-old inclinations. As it turns out, it always tastes better with onions.