BIEN TRUCHA GROUP LAUNCHES FAST CASUAL IN WHEATON

Wheaton, IL, Sept. 11, 2024 – After continued success in Geneva, Glen Ellyn and Naperville, Bien Trucha Group (BTG) just added Sweetchilango as its latest concept following renowned restaurants Bien Trucha, a toda madre, Quiubo, Santo Cielo, Lil Donkeys and Nacho Burger. Sweetchilango quietly opened to the general public a few weeks ago in the heart of downtown Wheaton, offering a new fast casual model in which guests can order over the counter via digital kiosks, through their phones by scanning the QR code at each of the tables, or directly from a team member if sitting at the bar. Take-out and delivery via third party platforms are also available.

The name is a combination of the words “sweet” and “chilango,” which combined also give a playful description of the new fast casual concept: sweet-chil-an-go. Chilango is a widely used term used to describe people from Mexico City (CDMX). Five of the six BTG partners were born and raised in CDMX and the sixth spent a few years living there, so it was natural for them to want to pay homage to some of the city’s most popular foods.

Sweetchilango’s cuisine focuses on “guisados” served on tacos, enchiladas or as a plate, and other traditional foods found in Mexico City street stands and home kitchens. As the oldest and arguably the most eaten taco in Mexico City, the common translation for tacos de guisado is “stewed tacos.” Tacos de guisado are a window into what’s in season from various regions of Mexico, translated onto a corn tortilla. They usually consist of some kind of braised meat, vegetable, or stew atop a bed of arroz rojo (red rice). They are humble and unpretentious in presentation but bold and boastful in flavor. They represent what Mexicans have been cooking and eating at home for several generations.

Bien Trucha Group’s approach to Mexican cuisine has always been one that respects classic staple dishes and flavors of Mexico, interpreting them in the most honest and unique way by combining classic and modern techniques. Parts of Sweetchilango’s menu will change with the seasons, constantly showcasing ingredients that are at their peak through a variety of guisados.

The open kitchen layout and signature energetic ambiance that have made BTG concepts so unique in the suburbs are also present in Sweetchilango’s space. The design, created in collaboration with VARA Design, is bright and airy with elements of traditional Mexican architecture. A wall mural is also in the works by renowned Mexican artist, Rodolfo Rodriguez Argemi “aka Cocolvu.” The speaker system was hand-built by Rodrigo Cano, one of BTG’s partners and its Chief Operating Officer. Rodrigo is also the mind behind the unique and ever-changing playlist.

“We are thrilled to finally add a BTG concept in Wheaton,” said Julio Cano, Chief Business Officer and BTG partner. “I along with two of our partners reside in Wheaton, so we couldn’t be more excited to expand our involvement in our home community. We are bringing a unique concept that we intend to replicate in other cities, but Wheaton will always be the flagship store.”

“The City of Wheaton extends a warm welcome to Sweetchilango, which adds to the vibrant dining scene in downtown Wheaton, Mayor Philip Suess said. Now occupying a key location in our recently updated downtown, we are pleased that Sweetchilango is bringing the tastes of Mexico City to Wheaton in a fast-casual format.”

Sweetchilango will operate under soft opening hours through September 21st (Tue.-Thurs. 11 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11 am–9 pm, Sun. & Mon.–closed). Sunday operations and regular fall/winter business hours will start on September 22nd (Tue.-Thurs. 11 am–9 pm, Fri. & Sat. 11 am–10 pm, Sun. 11 am–8 pm, Mon.–closed).

BTG is committed to further expansion in the Chicago area and is currently exploring new sites.