Chalos Express: Bringing Authentic Argentine Flavor to San Francisco
When Gonzalo Del Cerro and his wife Annie Leong moved from Argentina to Annie’s hometown of San Francisco, Gonzalo was surprised by the lack of authentic Argentinean cuisine in the city’s renowned food scene. Having owned a successful bar and grill in Argentina for many years, he was eager to bring a taste of home to his new community. With Gonzalo’s 20 years of experience in the food hospitality industry and Annie’s background in finance, the two decided to launch a true mom-and-pop business.
In March 2019, Gonzalo and Annie opened Chalos, a neighborhood café nestled in the Outer Sunset, where Annie grew up. Specializing in handcrafted empanadas and traditional Argentine bites, Chalos quickly earned a reputation as a local gem. The business is named after Gonzalo’s nickname (Chalo) and the three “Chalos” in their family: Gonzalo, their son, and Gonzalo’s father. It is a tribute to their roots and a reflection of their family’s shared passion.
But launching the business came with some unprecedented challenges. Just nine months in, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, followed by 2.5 years of major construction along Taraval Street, making it difficult for customers to access the café. Despite these hurdles, Gonzalo and Annie stayed committed to their vision. “We have a really good product that people love,” Annie explained. “But when people can’t get to you, you have to find new ways to reach them.”
That’s what sparked the idea for a second Chalos location in Downtown San Francisco. Chalos Express is an efficient, 200-square-foot version of their original café. The new shop focuses exclusively on grab-and-go empanadas, coffee, and pastries, designed to serve the busy foot traffic of office workers and tourists. (Insider tip: get there early for a taste of their unforgettable breakfast empanadas before they sell out!) “It was about survival, but also about seizing an opportunity,” said Annie. “We believe in the city, and we wanted to be part of its comeback.”
Small Business Loans to Grow & Adapt
Main Street Launch has supported Chalos throughout their business journey. From providing the startup capital for the launch of their original location in 2018, to funding a COVID recovery loan through the California Rebuilding Fund to help them keep their doors open in 2021, Main Street became a trusted partner for the business.
When the couple started looking at expansion opportunities, they knew who to turn to. Karla De Leon, EVP – Chief Credit Officer, told them about the Downtown San Francisco Vibrancy Fund, a special opportunity to receive a special low-interest loan combined with a grant from the City of San Francisco. With funding from this program, Gonzalo and Annie were able to purchase essential kitchen equipment—including ovens, refrigeration, a POS system, and display equipment—as well as cover critical start-up costs like rent, utilities, inventory, and payroll. They opened Chalos Express in March of this year.
“Starting a mom-and-pop business in San Francisco is tough,” Annie shared. “High rent, high cost of labor, startup costs—it’s a lot. Having access to capital for these first six months has given us the breathing room we needed to get traction.”
The support from Main Street Launch goes beyond financing. Karla has been working with them from the beginning, helping with financial projections, navigating paperwork, and providing the guidance needed to make informed decisions. “As a small business, you’re not just looking for a loan; you’re looking for guidance and resources,” Annie noted. “Overall, Main Street was a lot more knowledgeable in helping small businesses and more client focused. Working with Karla has been incredible.”
Gratitude for the Small Business Ecosystem
To other entrepreneurs, Annie offers heartfelt advice: “If you’re still here, you deserve a huge pat on the back. It’s been a weird, tough five years for small businesses. You need grit, you need passion—but you also need support and capital. That’s where organizations like Main Street Launch make a real difference.”
Chalos’ story represents resilience, multicultural vibrancy, and the power of community-driven entrepreneurship. “We’re proud to bring Gonzalo’s food and Argentinean roots to the city we love,” Annie said. “And we’re so grateful to everyone who’s helped us along the way.”
Be sure to visit their new downtown location by the Transbay Transit Center for a quick and delicious on-the-go breakfast or lunch option, open Monday through Friday 8am to 3pm. Watch out for new extended summer hours coming soon! For a relaxing sit-down experience, stop by their Outer Sunset cafe and bar, located at 2240 Taraval Street, open Wednesday through Sunday.