Chronic Tacos is a franchise in select states with the only location in Texas located in Montgomery. The location opened off of Eva Street in September 2019.
“We knew we wanted to do a franchise, but the food was part of it,” Pam said. “It is actually good quality food that is homemade. ... [The franchise] give us a little bit of flexibility so we can influence the future and provide our own ideas, too.”
Chronic Tacos serves authentic Mexican food, such as burritos, tacos, tostadas and quesadillas. Both indoor and outdoor dining is available as well as to-go food.
Although part of a franchise, the Arquitts run the business as if it were family owned, Pam said. Pam and Thad try their best to be at the restaurant nearly every day, she said.
“We are very visible. ... We know the customers, and we know the employees. We’re not just hands-off owners,” Pam said.
The business opened its doors just months before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the eatery to close dine-in services five months after opening, Pam said. During that time, the restaurant provided to-go options only, leaving the dining room closed.
The biggest obstacle Pam said they had as a business was finding employees during that time.
“There was a six-month period during COVID-19 where people just weren’t working or they were getting unemployment or staying home,” she said.
Through the challenges faced, Pam said the best part about running the business in Montgomery has been the community. She said local support has been prevalent, whether it is regular customers getting their lunch from the business every day or employees willing to work through challenges.
In addition, Pam said Chronic Tacos is willing to help out with fundraisers and sponsorships to support the community as being involved is “super important” for her and her family.
“I have four kids in the schools and in athletics,” she said. “So we really focus on helping the schools and the kids as much as we can as well as other events that they have.”
Chronic Tacos
20212 Eva St., Ste. 200, Montgomery
936-597-5756
www.chronictacos.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu., Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
