Ismael Pantoja (center) opens his Brunch Corner restaurant at Fair Oaks Boulevard and Kenneth Avenue. Staff and Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members join the celebration. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - With the opening of Brunch Corner on Fair Oaks Boulevard, a Carmichael tradition has been rebranded.

Twenty years under the name of Rey Azteca, the tiny taqueria was a well-kept neighborhood secret. In 2016, owner Ismael Pantoja spread his talents to larger premises nearby.

Dishing up family dishes at Fair Oaks and Palm Drive, his Cantina Azteca survived the pandemic and has become a destination for fans of authentic Mexican cuisine. The business was lauded for “Best Tacos in Town” by voters in the recent Best of Carmichael contest.

With his new cantina firmly established, Pantoja decided on a change of direction for his original premises.

“After the pandemic, it made no sense to have two Mexican restaurants, competing with each other,” he explained. “I decided to move the Cantina breakfast menu to the smaller place. We changed the hours of operation so that there were no more conflicts.”

Restaurateur Ismael Pantoja (with ribbon) celebrates the opening of Brunch Corner in Carmichael. Well-wishers are Kosim Latipov (representing Senator Roger Niello), Mark Cullum (repreesnting Assemblyman Josh Hoover) and Matt Ceccato (representing Congressman Ami Bera). Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

Re-named Brunch Corner, the former Rey Azteca now operates from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. As a nod to tradition, some Mexican flavors remain. But an eclectic menu now offers eggs Benedict and crepes as specialties.

Pantoja’s hideaway has gone from Tacos in Tijuana to breakfast in America.

“We've made the ambiance brighter,” said Pantoja. “The inside is cozy, relaxed and Californian.”

Slicing a ribbon as deftly as his maple-candied bacon, the Brunch Corner owner celebrated his new venture with Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members.

“We used to serve dinner plates here,” said Pantoja. “Now, we offer good-morning smiles, sunny-side up. But we’re continuing our family tradition. We’re still blending great flavors with a lot of love.”

Brunch Corner is located at 6140 Fair Oaks Blvd.