Carmelita's was founded in Sacramento in 1962 by Alberto and Carmen Heredia, with the San Diego branch, which opened at Park 12 residential building in March 2022, being managed by their son Clemente and his wife Rosalba. Named after the family matriarch, Carmelita, the restaurant prided itself on serving recipes handed down through generations, specializing in traditional Mexican fare from Puebla and Central Mexico. Signature dishes included carnitas, a vibrant red pozole made with guajillo chilies, and Mexico City tacos, capturing the essence of Mexican culinary tradition.
The San Diego location of Carmelita's at Park 12, a bustling mixed-use development at Park Boulevard and 12th Avenue across from Petco Park, was a strategic expansion for the brand, adding to the area's vibrant dining scene. Park 12, known for its eclectic mix of tenants including Achilles Coffee, East Village Brewing Company, and various fitness and wellness centers, welcomed Carmelita's as a cultural and culinary addition.
The closure of Carmelita's San Diego branch has left a void in the Park 12 community, with no public statement from the Heredia family or the management explaining the reason behind this decision. The Park 12 space, once occupied by Carmelita's, now stands as an opportunity for another culinary venture, with the area still developing its gastronomic identity.
For more information about Carmelita's, visitÌý.
Originally published on January 29, 2025.Ìý
