Tacos El Nevado in Charlotte reopens all locations with security measures

Many Latin-owned restaurants in Charlotte have temporarily closed their doors as the U.S. Border Patrol has roamed the streets for days, making more than 250 arrests. Now, one has reopened — with a few changes meant to help protect employees and customers.

Tacos El Nevado, a Mexican restaurant with three Charlotte locations, welcomed patrons back to the South Boulevard location on Sunday and the Central Avenue and Arrowood Road locations on Monday.

Christopher Santiago, a family member of the restaurant owners, previously spoke with CharlotteFive outside the Central Avenue location, saying: “I know things are a little tough right now, especially with my Hispanic community, but just in general everywhere right now.

“We’re facing a hardship, and I just want to let you guys know that we’ll be opening our doors soon. We just need to make sure that the way we do it, it’s safe for our community. So if you see changes in the business, it’s due to that reason,” he said.

Santago asked customers to show support and understanding, noting that the U.S. Border Patrol presence in Charlotte is “affecting everybody.”

“So if you aren’t aware, well, this is my voice to you, to raise that awareness and to, you know, give us a little bit of your support in any way possible — not just here, but in all the other Hispanic businesses that are on this area, around any location at this point — because it’s affecting the whole United States.”

Now, a worker will stay at the door at all locations, screening people coming inside.

“So, yeah, our doors will be locked. Door Dash offers are still going to be open, but we will be very thorough checking who’s coming in, more than anything. Just be patient and understanding about that situation,” Santiago said.

“We always have a smile on our faces, no matter the hardship. Just come in, show support, and thank you guys for everything. Appreciate that.”

Alex Cason contributed reporting.

Tacos El Nevado

Location: 4715 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: 4640 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209

Location: 201 W Arrowood Rd F, Charlotte, NC 28273

Menu

Cuisine: Mexican

Instagram: @tacosnevado

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This story was originally published November 20, 2025 at 5:30 AM.

Alex Cason

The Charlotte Observer

Alex Cason is a photojournalist whose primary focus is to let stories unfold through the visual mediums of photography and videography. Cason’s dynamic interpretations are woven into the fabric of a city that is bustling with growth, challenged daily with racial and socioeconomic equality, and overflowing with art and creativity. Crafting a story with integrity for a variety of demographics in a matter of moments is the broad stroke of his character. His specialties include portraiture work, sports, editorial, architectural, creative, government, street and event coverage. Support my work with a digital subscription

Heidi Finley

The Charlotte Observer

Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription