If you like chimichangas, I mean if you really like chimichangas, come to Gordo’s 2.0 at Heirloom Farmers Markets.
Tucsonans that have lived here since before the year 2000 might remember the Gordo’s Mexicateria commercials with Al Valenzuela. Although the restaurant closed in 2002, the recipes live on with Valenzuela’s widow Julie. Her family’s recipes were the foundation of the menu at Gordo’s.
Due to popular demand, Valenzuela’s daughter Marguerite Brown partnered up with gourmet retail food industry entrepreneur Mark Callahan to bring back Gordo’s chimichangas.
“I have an unparalleled passion for food and bringing well-loved items to the market,” Callahan said in a press release. “It’s been really exciting taking these wonderful family recipes and updating them for today’s consumer.”
While Gordo’s Mexicateria isn’t reopening as a restaurant, the duo launched Gordo’s 2.0, a farmers market stand with freshly-fried chimichangas and “take home and heat” casseroles.
“This is something I have dreamed of doing for so long,” Brown said in a press release. “All the right elements just dropped into place and we are up and running. It has been so rewarding to meet people at the markets who still remember the original Gordo’s and my dad.”
Gordo’s 2.0 is located at the Oro Valley Farmers Market on Saturdays and Rillito Park Farmers Market on Sundays.
Local catering is also available. To place large orders ahead of time, call Brown directly at (520) 488-7728.
Depending on the success of the stand, Gordo’s 2.0 may begin distributing nationally as a frozen product.
Gordo’s 2.0 Menu
Chimichangas (all served with lime crema)
- Shredded Beef
- Refried Beans and Cheese
- Shredded Chicken with Hatch Chiles
Other Items
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Green Corn Tamale Pie
- Handmade Tortillas
- Gordo’s Special Salsa
No website or social media is available yet. To place large orders ahead of time, call Marguerite Brown directly at (520) 488-7728. Visit Gordo’s 2.0 at the Oro Valley Farmers Market on Saturdays and Rillito Park Farmers Market on Sundays.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
