Danny Trejo, the gravel-voiced Hollywood tough guy famous for roles in films like Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Spy Kids, has built an unexpected and thriving second career as a restaurateur. What began as a casual joke on a movie set in 2015 has grown into a multimillion-dollar food empire centered on bold, inventive Mexican-inspired cuisine in Los Angeles—with signs of continued expansion.
The story started when Trejo, while filming Bad Ass, quipped about opening “Trejo’s Tacos.” The idea stuck, and in March 2016, the first Trejo’s Tacos location opened on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles. The fast-casual chain emphasizes healthy twists on classic Mexican dishes, featuring creative tacos like steak asada, carnitas, chicken tinga, jackfruit for vegetarians, rainbow cauliflower, and even fried chicken options. Sides include fresh chips, guacamole, aguas frescas, and a date-sweetened horchata that has become a fan favorite.
As of 2026, Trejo’s Tacos operates four locations in Los Angeles: the original Mid-City spot on La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, the Farmers Market, and Downtown LA (DTLA). There’s also a full-service Trejo’s Cantina in Hollywood, offering a more sit-down experience with margaritas and a vibrant atmosphere. The brand marked a major milestone in March 2026, celebrating its 10-year anniversary with an event at the original La Brea location on March 8, complete with special offerings and appearances by Trejo himself.
Beyond tacos, Trejo expanded into sweets with Trejo’s Coffee & Donuts, which opened in Hollywood and serves innovative, Mexican-inspired donuts alongside quality coffee. Standout flavors include Abuelita (Mexican chocolate), Mangonada, Pineapple Fritter, Margarita (with tangy lime glaze), Nacho (spicy with jalapeño, cheddar, and hot sauce), Cumpleaños (birthday cake style), and classics like the “Machete.” The shop, located at 6785 Santa Monica Blvd, operates daily from 7 AM to 4 PM and has earned praise for its creative takes on traditional donuts.
The empire has also gone international. Trejo’s Tacos opened its first location outside the U.S. in London’s Notting Hill on Portobello Road in 2024, blending authentic Mexican ingredients with global influences in a vibrant, 3,000-square-foot space that includes indoor seating and an al fresco area.
Trejo’s ventures extend further with branded merchandise, a cookbook titled Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A., and even his own cerveza (beer). Business partners like Ash Shah and others have helped scale the operation, turning it into a community-focused brand that weathered challenges like the pandemic while maintaining growth ambitions. Trejo has hinted at potential expansion into Texas, including interest in San Antonio, though no firm openings have been confirmed there yet.
What sets Trejo’s food empire apart is the personal touch: the actor frequently visits his spots, turning them into neighborhood hangouts where fans can grab a taco or donut from the man himself. Behind the “badass” persona lies a genuine passion for food, family recipes, and giving back—proving that even a Hollywood hard man can build something warm, flavorful, and enduring. Whether you’re in LA craving inventive tacos or just admiring the journey from prison cook to culinary kingpin, Trejo’s empire shows no signs of slowing down. 🌮🍩
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