San Francisco Taqueria El Faro Faces Closure Amid Rent Hike

The family-owned restaurant known for its iconic super burrito may be forced to sell after a 73% rent increase.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:39am by

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of freshly grilled tortillas, a jar of salsa, and a pair of worn cooking tongs arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the community impact of a beloved taqueria's potential closure.As a beloved San Francisco taqueria faces an uncertain future due to skyrocketing rents, its iconic ingredients and well-worn tools symbolize the community ties and culinary traditions at risk of being lost.San Francisco Today

El Faro, a beloved taqueria in San Francisco's Mission District that has been in business since 1961, is facing closure due to a dramatic 73% rent increase. The daughter of the family-owned business says her mother was caught off guard by the hike and is now looking to sell the restaurant for $225,000, though no offers close to the asking price have materialized so far.

Why it matters

The potential closure of El Faro highlights the challenges facing small, family-owned businesses in San Francisco as the city's economy and real estate market continue to boom. The taqueria is a longstanding community fixture, known for its famous super burrito and close relationships with loyal customers, making its potential loss deeply felt by the neighborhood.

The details

El Faro's daughter, Patricia Kocourek, says the rent increase caught her mother by surprise, nearly doubling the restaurant's monthly costs. Despite being able to pay rent for April, the future remains uncertain as the family-owned business looks to sell the taqueria for $225,000 on Facebook Marketplace.

  • El Faro has been in the Mission District since 1961.
  • The rent increase occurred in April 2026.

The players

El Faro

A family-owned taqueria in San Francisco's Mission District that has been in business since 1961 and is known for its iconic super burrito.

Patricia Kocourek

The daughter of the family that owns El Faro, who says her mother was caught off guard by a 73% rent increase that is now forcing the restaurant to consider selling.

Esther Harkreader

A longtime customer of El Faro who feels a deep connection to the restaurant and its owners, saying they have become like friends over the years.

Ce'Myah Bacchus

A student who attends a nearby school and is a regular customer at El Faro, appreciating the kindness of the owners who have given her discounts when she's been short on cash.

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What they’re saying

“To our surprise, it was almost a double raise, so it was like 73% increase after we did some math.”

— Patricia Kocourek, Daughter of El Faro's owners

“I don't even have to say anything. I just walk in and say, 'Hi.' And they say, 'How many?' And they make my food. They know me. They are good neighbors.”

— Esther Harkreader, Longtime El Faro customer

“I'm pretty sad, honestly, because it's been here for so long. The burritos are so great. And the people there are just so nice. Any time I don't have enough, they give me a discount.”

— Ce'Myah Bacchus, Student and El Faro customer

What’s next

El Faro's owners are continuing to list the restaurant for sale on Facebook Marketplace, hoping to find a buyer before they are forced to close the longstanding taqueria.

The takeaway

The potential closure of El Faro, a beloved community fixture in San Francisco's Mission District, underscores the challenges facing small, family-owned businesses as the city's real estate market continues to soar. The taqueria's story highlights the importance of preserving local character and supporting neighborhood institutions in the face of rapid economic change.