Ismael Pantoja (middle) cuts the ribbon to commemorate 10 years of Cantina Azteca’s Carmichael location, surrounded by Carmichael Chamber of Commerce members and restaurant staff. 

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) – Cantina Azteca opened its Fair Oaks Boulevard location 10 years ago and has since become a staple of Carmichael’s restaurant scene. The establishment celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting on April 30 hosted by the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce. Owner Ismael Pantoja said the business has been operating for nearly two decades.

Pantoja thanked the chamber and the Carmichael community for its support of the restaurant, especially during the pandemic years when many restaurants were forced to close.

 According to Pantoja, Cantina Azteca survived the pandemic because of customers placing to-go orders.

“I felt big support from the community,” Pantoja said. “That was 2020, 2021, and here we are in 2026.”

Pantoja also shared some challenges that restaurants continue to face. “Our celebrations are working; our birthdays, our kids’ birthdays and everything and sometimes … the whole day we are eating while we are working.”

Pantoja took the April 30 gathering as an opportunity to thank his dedicated staff; some of whom have worked at the restaurant for as long as twenty years. Certificates of recognition were presented to those long-serving employees.

Legislative representatives presented Pantoja with certificates of recognition from Congressman Ami Bera, Senator Roger Niello, Assemblyman Josh Hoover and Supervisor Rich Desmond’s offices. Honorary Mayor Mike Rockenstein congratulated the restaurant and praised its dedication to serving the community before Pantoja cut the ribbon. 

Pantoja said one of the greatest joys of owning Cantina Azteca is watching generations of Carmichael residents grow up with his food. When he first opened the restaurant, his children would come to work with him and sit in his office. Over the years, he saw customers bring in their young children. Now, those same children return as parents, bringing their own kids to the restaurant.

“That for me is the best thing, and they are coming back because they have good memories with us,” Pantoja said.

The restaurant’s sister-establishment, The Brunch Corner (previously Rey Azteca), is headed by Pantoja’s son Jonathan Pantoja. The breakfast eatery opened its 6041 Fair Oaks Blvd. location in December and has quickly become another Carmichael fan-favorite, with legislative representatives praising the quality and service.

Cantina Azteca is located at 6400 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. The restaurant hosts birthday parties and celebrations in its party room and offers full-service catering. To learn more, visit cantinaazteca.com.