Skip to Content
News

Family Behind Celebrated East L.A. Taco Stand Raising Money After ‘Reckless Driver’ Burns Down Their Kitchen

In addition to Asadero Chikali's prep-kitchen being destroyed, Melva Perez, the owner's wife, also lost her hair salon to the fire. According to the family, insurance won't cover either loss because their policy only covers their taco truck.

2:44 PM PDT on July 18, 2023

Jose Perez (Asadero Chikali)|

A driver in a Chevy pickup truck crashes into Asadero Chikali’s prep-kitchen before starting a fire and fleeing the scene.

The family behind Asadero Chikali, an East L.A. taco stand known for its hand-rolled flour tortillas and Mexicali-style guisados, is recovering after losing its commissary kitchen to a large fire over the weekend.

At 12:50 on Saturday morning, owner Jose Perez received an unexpected call from a relative.

"They were driving by, heading home, and saw the building on fire," Perez said during an interview with L.A. TACO on Tuesday afternoon.

When he arrived at 1321 Atlantic Boulevard, Perez found a crashed Chevy Silverado pickup truck sticking out of his business. The interior of the building was completely charred; the driver of the truck nowhere to be found.

Perez tells L.A. TACO that "the rear of the building was being used for storage and preparation." Due to the damage caused by the fire, they're no longer able to access the area and, as a result, will be closed this weekend.

"We are looking into cooking at home while we figure out a solution," Perez said.

In addition to the family's kitchen getting destroyed, Melva Perez, Jose's wife, also lost her hair salon to the fire. According to the family, insurance won't cover either loss because their policy only covers the taco truck they use to sell

"We are at a loss for words about yesterday's news," Asadero Chikali wrote on IG Sunday morning. "We give thanks to god for allowing us to all be safe and healthy, and we cannot express how thankful we are for everyone who has helped out by donating or spreading the word. For those who have reached out personally and have offered help, THANK YOU!!!"

The Perez family hopes to raise up to $40,000 through GoFundMe to rebuild their business.

"God willing we will be back as soon as this all gets sorted out!"

Already a user?Log in

Thanks for reading!

Register to continue

Become a Member

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

Spot Check: Colombian Desgranados In Echo Park, Mexican Wine Festival At Mírate, and Perverted Waffles in DTLA

Plus, a party highlighting pan-African cuisine, a new Taiwanese cookbook by an awarded local from the San Gabriel Valley, and a Little Saigon food festival that starts tonight! Welcome back to Spot Check!

September 22, 2023

This 24-Year-Old Latina Mortician Beautifies the Dead and Influences the Living

Growing up in Arleta with a first-generation family from El Salvador, Berrios admits that her family only embraced her career choice two years ago, after she started to win awards like “Young Funeral Director of the Year.” The 24-year-old works as the licenced funeral director and embalmer at Hollywood Forever cemetery. As a young person born in peak Generation Z, she's documented her deathcare journey on TikTok and has accrued more than 43K followers on the platform. 

September 21, 2023

Meet ‘Carnitas Rogelio,’ The Family-Run Stand With The Best Michoacán-Style Carnitas O.C. Has to Offer

Michoacán-raised Rogelio Gonzalez slices the cuerito (the pig skin) in a checkered pattern to ensure a light crunch in each bite and utilizes every part of the pig, from the feet to the liver and intestines, which he binds together in a braid. 

September 20, 2023

‘The Office’ Star Rainn Wilson Brought Jerk Chicken Tacos to the Picket Lines Outside of Paramount Studios

In three hours, D's Tipsy Tacos and her team passed out “roughly 100 plates” of tacos, burritos, rice, beans, nachos, and quesadillas to striking screenwriters and actors.

September 19, 2023

Five Common Plants to Avoid When Creating Your Green Spaces in L.A.

Almost every time I visit a property with landscaping issues, the problem starts with bad design: the wrong plants in the wrong place. Here's advice from a third-generation L.A. landscaper and noted taco expert.

September 19, 2023
See all posts