New Ownership Taking Over Casero Taqueria in Carlsbad

Casero Taqueria, a Mexican restaurant previously owned by two local businessmen, is getting ready to take on new ownership at its location in Carlsbad at 2675 Gateway Drive, Suite 195.

The restaurant opened in 2019 under Clayton Wheeler and Craig Applegate, who own a handful of Board and Brew locations and a new upcoming concept called Odie’s Pizza in downtown Oceanside. Now, the two behind Blacktop Restaurant Group are passing ownership of Casero Taqueria to Jaime Osuna, the owner of Swami’s Cafe, according to SanDiegoVille. The business owner will keep the restaurant within the Square at Bressi Ranch mostly the same, making only a few changes.

This is a massive accomplishment for Osuna, who opened the first Swami’s Cafe in Encinitas in 2005. On top of expanding to multiple locations across San Diego, Osuna has also opened Honey’s Bistro & Bakery in Encinitas and helped co-found Cocina de Barrio with Jose J. Flores, who is in the process of opening another location of Cocina de Barrio by himself in the former home of Saiko Sake and Sushi Bar in North Park in a few weeks. Osuna will focus on Casero Taqueria, offering the same delicious Mexican food, quality service, and alcoholic options as before.

“Casero Taqueria is inspired by simple, time-tested recipes rooted in Mexican tradition,” according to the company’s website. “After several surf trips to Baja California and visits to the mainland, co-founders Clayton Wheeler and Craig Applegate fell in love with the country’s use of farm fresh ingredients to create flavorful dishes. Casero, meaning homemade in Spanish, brings their favorite regional Mexican food to North County San Diego. The experience marries the sensation of a weekend in Baja with relaxed Southern California style.”