Starting in 2015 in Cambridge, MA, John Schall opened the first of several El Jefe’s Taqueria locations. Just a few years later on August 31st, 2018, El Jefe’s was brought to Bethlehem, PA, making it one of the now eight locations. Despite starting out small, in 2022, the business hit a high revenue of 25 million dollars.

The restaurant quickly became a favorite for many locals, but why is that? What makes El Jefe’s Taqueria so special? 

“I never get tired of it, like, it’s always so good,” senior and frequent customer Arianna Renninger noted when asked what makes the establishment so great. Renninger, when asked about her go-to-order, shared that she gets the same burrito every time, but she never gets tired of it, despite attending almost weekly.

“I think it’s the portion size for the price,” senior Madi Kares added. Even though Kares recalled only being there once, she said it was memorable because of this great quality. 

“The workers there are just great,” frequent customer and senior Jolie DeJonge exclaimed. “They’re always so accommodating and so cheerful. They definitely make the experience,” DeJonge added.

Besides the more ‘physical’ characteristics that make El Jefe’s so special, what did customers have to say about the food?

“I got a burrito the first time I went and I have ordered the same thing ever since. It’s just perfect,” Ruby Twardzik, another frequent customer and high school senior, noted. “Everything is just so fresh and delicious. It’s my favorite,” she added. “My entire family will even order it for take-out now, that’s how much we love it.” 

After interviewing several frequent customers, it’s obvious as to why El Jefe’s has become a favorite for many. Its stellar customer service, welcoming feel, great food quality, and pricing for portions keeps bringing people back over and over again, turning them into loyal customers and causing El Jefe’s to be a successful business.