Meet our latest RESTAURATEUR OF THE QUARTER: Josselyn Zirion of El Tesoro Taqueria and Grill, San Francisco
Steve Zimmerman Facilitates Sale of El Tesoro Taqueria and Grill to Local Restaurateur Josselyn Zirion.
Restaurant Realty Company is pleased to announce the successful sale of El Tesoro Taqueria and Grill, located at 599 O’Farrell Street in San Francisco, to Josselyn (Joss) Zirion.
Born in Guatemala, Joss moved to San Francisco at the age of sixteen to live with her aunt. She began her professional journey as a receptionist at a cosmetology school, but soon discovered a passion for the hospitality industry, working as a server at Pork Store Café in the Mission District and later at Jack’s in San Mateo.
In 2012, Joss and her partner sublet 510 Biscuit Café in San Francisco. Her partner founded El Tesoro in 2004, and Joss joined the business as a manager in 2014. The pair expanded in 2018, opening a second El Tesoro location in South San Francisco. After the tragic passing of her partner, Joss assumed full management of the San Francisco location in 2021.
Due to a legal dispute involving a contentious family member, the business was placed under receivership. The court-appointed receiver engaged Restaurant Realty to market the business, and following an extended legal process, Joss successfully purchased the business in March 2025 through an SBA loan.
Despite the challenges of operating in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District—a neighborhood with a high concentration of homelessness and substance abuse—Joss has led El Tesoro to become a thriving, high-volume, and profitable enterprise. Her story is a powerful testament to perseverance, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
We extend our sincere congratulations to Josselyn Zirion on this remarkable achievement and wish her and her family continued success. It has been a privilege to support her journey, and we look forward to future opportunities to collaborate.
The Restaurant Dealmaker
