Chef behind Con Todo opens Sana Sana taqueria in Austin

Joseph Gomez, a James Beard semifinalist, brings his acclaimed Mexican cuisine to a new downtown location.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Joseph Gomez, the chef behind the acclaimed Con Todo taqueria in North Austin, is opening a new restaurant called Sana Sana Taqueria in downtown Austin. Gomez, who received recognition from Michelin and the James Beard Foundation for his previous venture, will be serving a menu of Mexican dishes inspired by his roots in the Rio Grande Valley and Northeastern Mexico.

Why it matters

The opening of Sana Sana Taqueria marks the return of a celebrated chef to the Austin dining scene after the closure of his previous acclaimed restaurant. It also highlights the continued popularity and evolution of Mexican cuisine in the city, with Gomez aiming to showcase the diversity of regional Mexican flavors.

The details

Gomez, who cited slow business and poor visibility as reasons for closing Con Todo in 2025, spent most of last year operating a pop-up called Sana Sana Taqueria. That pop-up will now have a permanent home in the kitchen of the Royal Blue Grocery at 360 Nueces St. The initial menu will feature dishes like vampiro de ribeye, bistec tacos, mollejas, and queso fresco cheesecake, all made with house-nixtamalized corn tortillas.

  • Sana Sana Taqueria will open in time for the 2026 South by Southwest Conference and Festival, which runs from March 12-18.
  • The taqueria will be open from 11 a.m. until sold out during SXSW, and then Thursday through Monday for the rest of March.
  • Sana Sana will close for the first half of April for renovations and to staff up before reopening in late April.

The players

Joseph Gomez

The chef behind the acclaimed Con Todo taqueria, who is now opening the new Sana Sana Taqueria in downtown Austin.

Royal Blue Grocery

The local grocery store chain that is partnering with Gomez to host the new Sana Sana Taqueria in its 360 Nueces Street location.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm really grateful to be back and cooking for people again, showcasing Mexican food inspired by the RGV and Northeastern Mexico, with influences from all over. Food shouldn't have borders.”

— Joseph Gomez, Chef (American-Statesman)

“Joseph's reputation and cuisine are both stellar, and everyone has been anxiously awaiting his next gig. We're so proud to partner with him, and can't wait to see what's next from this compelling chef.”

— George Scariano, Co-founder, Royal Blue Grocery (American-Statesman)

What’s next

Sana Sana Taqueria will close for the first half of April for additional renovations and to staff up before reopening in late April.

The takeaway

The opening of Sana Sana Taqueria marks the return of a celebrated chef to the Austin dining scene, showcasing the continued popularity and evolution of Mexican cuisine in the city with a focus on regional flavors and ingredients.