35 years of Dos Coyotes restaurant success defies odds

What started as a scrappy dream in a half-built space at The Marketplace in Davis has grown into one of Northern California's fast-casual institutions. Dos Coyotes Border Cafe celebrates its 35th anniversary in January, marking more than three decades of scratch-made Santa Fe cuisine, community partnerships and a loyal following that spans generations. Founded in 1991 in Davis by Bobby Coyote, the brand's origin remains as iconic as its Border Burrito. Two months before opening, Coyote learned his contractor was shutting down and his bank pulled out, forcing him to hire workers himself and finish construction by hand. Even the restaurant's first "training day" accidentally became opening day when curious locals knocked on the door and insisted on trying the food. "From the beginning, Davis embraced us," said Coyote. "We've always believed that if you source great ingredients, treat people well and stay rooted in your community, good things follow." Those values helped Dos Coyotes grow beyond its Davis roots into a regional favorite, now serving thousands of guests daily across 12 Sacramento-area locations. Many original menu items – created by Coyote – remain staples today, including the Yucatan Chicken Salad, Ranchero Burrito and seasonal dishes that highlight local produce. Long before "farm to fork" became a movement, the team sourced ingredients from farmers markets and local growers. Mi Rancho, the original tortilla supplier, continues to produce the hundreds of thousands of tortillas Dos Coyotes uses each week. $5 anniversary burrito for a cause To honor this milestone, Dos Coyotes will host a one-day, region-wide celebration Monday, Jan. 5, offering its signature Border Chicken Burrito for $5 – the same price point as when the item hit the menu 35 years ago. But this time, the company is using the anniversary as a platform for impact in the communities that have served the brand well over the years. To unlock the $5 burrito price, guests will be asked to donate $2 or more supporting local food banks in the communities where Dos Coyotes operates. The full donation goes directly to partner organizations listed with this story. In addition to the $5 Border Burrito, every store will offer two Ranchero Burritos and drinks for $19.91 for the entire month, in honor of the year the business was founded. "This anniversary isn't about driving revenue," said Coyote. "It's about doing something meaningful for the communities that have supported us for 35 years. We want to turn a day of celebration into a day of generosity." A legacy built on community Dos Coyotes' history is intertwined with community partnerships – from farm-to-school initiatives to collaborations with local chefs and student groups. Past efforts, such as "Tacos for Charity," raised thousands of dollars for food literacy and farm-to-school programs. Longtime residents and families of the Sacramento area often cite Dos Coyotes as a hometown staple, a gathering place and a symbol of NorCal culture. "For many people, Dos isn't just a restaurant – it's part of their story," said Coyote. Students who came in for burritos in the '90s now bring their kids. Local officials, student journalists and national critics alike have called out the restaurant's consistent quality and accessible menu – part of Coyote's vision when he launched the company 35 years ago. Dos Coyotes remains focused on thoughtful growth, culinary creativity and community impact. "Anniversaries remind us why we started," said Coyote. "We've served millions of meals over 35 years, but every burrito, every salad, every guest still matters. That's the heart of our brand, and it always will be." Participating food banks include Twin Lakes Food Bank (for Folsom Dos Coyotes locations), Feeding the Foothills (Roseville), Yolo Crisis Nursery (Davis), Elk Grove Food Bank (Elk Grove) and Food Literacy Center (Sacramento).