Parmesan-crusted tacos? A famous northern California chain is coming to Fort Worth
Jimboy’s Tacos, a popular northern California fast-food chain featuring griddled Parmesan cheese-dusted crispy tacos, will open a location in west Fort Worth, the company announced Monday.
Jimboy’s began in 1954 at a Lake Tahoe trailer that became known as a celebrity gathering spot for visitors to northern California and Nevada. The company now has more than 30 locations known for tacos and grilled burritos.
The Fort Worth location at 9316 Clifford St., off Loop 820 in the Clifford Crossing strip shopping center, was formerly home to a sub shop.
According to Sacramento Bee archives, Canadian-born founder Jim Knudson worked in a Lockheed aircraft factory during World War II, then began opening restaurants in northern California.
He had planned on selling tacos at fairs in 1953 but instead accepted an invitation at Lake Tahoe. When the business faltered in 1955, he decided to give it one more year.
According to the Reno Gazette Journal, the trailer became known as a favorite of the cast of TV’s “Bonanza” along with Lake Tahoe resort guests such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
The company expanded in the 1950s and 1960s, the early years when California was producing companies such as Jack in the Box (San Diego), Taco Bell (Downey) and Del Taco (Yermo).
The menu includes big “Tahoe” burritos, beef enchiladas, quesadillas and nachos.
This story was originally published August 3, 2021 at 5:45 AM.
