Past Jimboy's Tacos President Karen Knudson-Freeman. Photo courtesy of Jimboy’s Tacos

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Jimboy’s Tacos, a family-owned and managed business 70-plus years strong, is saddened to announce the passing of Karen Knudson-Freeman, daughter of founder Jim “Jimboy” Knudson and mother to current CEO Erik Freeman. Karen (aged 68) passed away peacefully in Oregon on April 20 while surrounded by family.

From a very young age, Karen had a passion for and was involved in the family business. Over the years, she served in various roles including vice-president, president and CEO of Jimboy’s Tacos. She was particularly focused on quality control and menu item development, up until the last year and a half while dealing with health-related issues.

“Karen was a remarkable person who had a deep love and faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” said Erik Freeman, CEO of Jimboy’s Tacos. “That faith, love and grace was an inspiration and could be felt by everyone who truly knew her, and even by those who simply met her. To know her, was to love her. Karen is greatly missed; our loss is beyond words. We are grateful for all the time we had with her, the memories we shared, and the love and lessons she taught us through how she lived her life,” added Freeman.

Karen loved to create new recipes and was focused on R&D the last few years of her life, her latest creation being the Chili Burrito which was inspired by her parents’ World Winning Chili recipe. Karen’s criteria on whether an item made the Jimboy’s menu was “is it craveable?” – just like the ground beef taco that was created by her dad and became Jimboy’s signature menu item. It will remain as a grounding motto for the company.

With nearly 40 locations located throughout Northern California and Tahoe/Reno, the corporate offices are based in Folsom, California. More information about Jimboy’s Tacos is available at JimboysTacos.com.

Jimboy’s Tacos Company Highlights

In 1954, founder Jim “Jimboy” Knudson introduces the iconic Original Ground Beef Taco dusted with Parmesan cheese, in a small trailer alongside Kings Beach in Lake Tahoe, CA.

In 1958, with the overwhelming support of the community, Jimboy’s Tacos put down more permanent roots in Tahoe, establishing a quaint building nearby.

In 1968, marking one of the first franchising concepts in the nation, “Jimboy” took a leap and expanded beyond the Tahoe area, a bold move that blossomed into a network of approximately 40 locations throughout California and Nevada.

In 1983, “Jimboy” and his wife retired, leaving the family business to their son Scott Knudson.

In 2010, Karen Knudson-Freeman was named as President for the family business, succeeding her brother Scott.

In 2019, Erik Freeman, grandson of “Jimboy” and son of Karen, became CEO of the family-run restaurant chain.

In 2024, Jimboy’s Tacos celebrated 70 years of fresh ingredients and a taco that is dusted with a liberal coating of grated parmesan cheese.

About Jimboy’s Tacos
Jimboy’s Tacos began its flavorful journey in 1954 as a humble food trailer in Lake Tahoe, CA, when founder "Jimboy" Knudson introduced his iconic Original Ground Beef Taco™ dusted with Parmesan cheese. Celebrating 70+ years of delicious tradition, Jimboy’s has expanded to nearly 40 locations across California and Nevada. Committed to using fresh, premium ingredients cooked in small batches for maximum flavor, Jimboy’s Tacos invites you to experience a taste of The Original American Taco. Welcome to the Fold. For more information, visit www.jimboystacos.com.