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A legendary Los Angeles taquito stand is back from the brink after a sudden financial crisis forced a temporary shutdown and sparked a community rescue effort that raised tens of thousands of dollars.
Cielito Lindo, the iconic Olvera Street eatery known for its hand-rolled taquitos topped with signature avocado sauce, reopened last week after a six-week closure that began on May 12 as the family-run business dealt with electrical repairs and other urgent maintenance issues.
But the shutdown quickly exposed deeper financial strain.
The nearly 90-year-old stand was also grappling with rent arrears tied to COVID-era closures, along with mounting city-imposed late fees and interest.
Owners said rising operating costs across Los Angeles made it increasingly difficult to keep prices affordable while staying afloat.
Founded in 1934 by Aurora Guerrero, a single immigrant mother from Zacatecas, Mexico, the beloved food stand has remained in the family for generations and is now operated by her fourth-generation granddaughters.
In a social media appeal posted in May, the business asked for help to “keep Cielito Lindo alive for future generations,” citing urgent repair needs and ongoing financial pressure.
That plea ultimately sparked a wave of support.
More than $50,000 was raised through GoFundMe, with donations totaling $53,000, allowing the historic stand to stabilize its finances and prepare for reopening.
The comeback was announced in a celebratory Facebook post that read:
“WE’RE BAAAAACK
After six long weeks behind the scenes, we’re finally open! We’ve already served hundreds of you over the last couple of days and…boy, were you jonesing for taquitos and avocado sauce!
Thank you for your patience, your support, and for welcoming us back. We can’t wait to see the rest of you soon!”
Now back in operation, the longtime LA staple says it is easing into service again after the financial lifeline, and looking ahead to updated pricing and new specials once repairs are fully complete.
English (US)