There’s a new chain in town, and nearby Taco Bell and Chipotle may have reason to worry because customer service is the name of the game.
Guzman y Gomez opened in Downtown Evanston at 1710 Sherman Avenue last month, but they hit the ground running. Yes, it is a chain, but one with a difference. This Australian (yes, Australian!) import operates only six stores in the U.S., all in Illinois (you’ll find the others in Buffalo Grove, Crystal Lake, Deerfield, Naperville, and Schaumburg). Their other outlets are in Australia, Singapore, and Japan. It has the feel of an approachable, small regional chain rather than one of the big boys.
The vibe inside is fun and funky with artistic touches throughout, including a huge mural to welcome you into the restaurant, lovely mosaic tilework, chain-link fencing, brickwork, greenery hanging from the wood rafters, and plenty of GYG’s signature color, sunshine yellow. You’re greeted with a happy chorus of, “Hola! Welcome in!” from seemingly the entire staff, all jauntily attired with black tees and baseball caps.
You can order ahead online or using their bespoke app (download it and get a free burrito!), of course, but if you’re old school — or a fan of potential sensory overload — you can wander into the restaurant between 7 am and 11 pm any day of the week and order your breakfast, lunch, or dinner from one of the super-helpful staff members.
In the morning, your breakfast options are Breakfast Burritos ($5.90/8.99), Avocado Toast ($3.25/5.40), Quesadilla (2 for $5.80), Breakfast Tacos (1 for $2.90/2 for $5.80/3 for $8.60), or Cage-Free Scrambled Eggs with your choice of bacon, chorizo, or sautéed veg ($6.90). Make it a meal with a drink and a hash-brown patty for an additional $2.10, and get your java fix with a Metropolis coffee or espresso drink…