Thanks to Boise transplants, local restaurant to open where old one closed after 29 years

When quick-service restaurant Senor Fresh said goodbye in the spring, it was the end of a West Boise era.

The locally owned restaurant at 12375 W. Chinden Blvd. had dished up health-conscious Mexican food for nearly three decades.

But thanks to a pair of Idaho newcomers, the space won’t sit empty for long. Or, like so many spots in the growing Treasure Valley, get taken over by another soulless chain restaurant.

Tesoro’s Tortas and Tacos, owned by Felix and Leah Venegas, has leased the restaurant. The tentative opening date is Sept. 9, Leah said in an email, but that’s “not set in stone yet.”

As the restaurant’s name implies, the menu will be powered by tortas — delicious Mexican sandwiches — and tacos. But it also will serve a build-your-own burrito and a handful of other selections.

“We will be offering al pastor (made in-house), carnitas, carne asada, barbacoa beef and a few other meat choice options,” Leah added.

The Venegases, who have lived in the Boise area for about a year, moved here from Kalispell, Montana, she said.

El Tesoro’s is their first restaurant, but Felix has spent more than 15 years in the industry, she added.

The plan is for the restaurant to operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. El Tesoro’s also will have a website with online ordering for pickup or delivery, Leah said.

In other words, if you live in West Boise and love Mexican food? September can’t come soon enough.

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