Rooted in Familia. Guided by legacy.

The story of Cilantro Taco Grill begins with one man, one dream, and a whole lot of heart.

Javier Morfin, better known as Don Javi, immigrated from Guadalajara, Jalisco to Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood with his children, searching for something better— a future with more opportunity, more dignity, and more promise. Life wasn’t easy. But Don Javi met every challenge with a contagious smile, unwavering optimism, and the kind of work ethic that can only come from the land.
Farmer Don Javi on his farm at sunset, with his herd of black cows grazing in a green pasture in front of a classic red barn and a farmhouse.
He was a farmer at heart — raising cattle on his farm in Knox, Indiana, staying close to nature, and even closer to his family. His passion for hard work, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his sense of humor created a culture that lives on today in everything we do.
In 2013, that legacy took shape when his son, Témoc Morfin, opened the first Cilantro Taco Grill in Stone Park, Illinois. What began as a tribute to a father’s example, grew into a family-owned network of taquerías and a tortilla factory—all proudly operated by Don Javi’s children.
Today, we are proud to continue growing through a new generation of partners and franchise owners who believe in our mission: to serve real, high quality, authentic Mexican food rooted in familia and flavor.
From our grill to your community, from our family to yours — Welcome to Cilantro!

Together, we serve more than meals

Cilantro is powered by real people — From the kitchen to the counter, every team member brings more than skills — they bring their story, their hustle, and their corazón.

At Cilantro, we’re not just serving food. We’re building opportunity, orgullo, and spaces where community thrives. This is a place where culture is celebrated, jobs are created, and dreams are built.
It's not the salsa...
This is our real secret recipe:
The people.
A large, diverse group of people, including family members, business partners, and community members, pose for a photo inside a restaurant, holding a red ribbon during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The restaurant's interior is decorated with green, white, and black accents.A white balloon floats near the ceiling of a restaurant with a black ceiling and bright green walls. A white, raised sign on the wall reads, "...it's good on all."A group of people, including families and Mariachi musicians, pose for a photo on a grassy area in front of a new restaurant, celebrating a successful grand opening.Two Mariachi violinists in traditional white suits with silver detailing perform inside a restaurant decorated with green and white balloons for a grand opening celebration.
A vibrant "Cilantro Grand Opening" banner with green and pink zig-zag patterns is displayed on a lawn in front of a Cilantro Taco Grill building.A large family and staff gather outside a Cilantro Taco Grill location, cutting a red ribbon with a pair of large scissors to signify a grand opening. Green and white balloons decorate the restaurant's entrance.The Cilantro Taco Grill sign, featuring a stylized cilantro leaf, is highlighted on a modern gray and green building with the sun creating a lens flare effect.A crowd of enthusiastic people cheer with their arms in the air under a white tent during a grand opening celebration for Cilantro Taco Grill. They are holding pieces of a green ribbon, signifying a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A close-up shot of a modern point-of-sale system, showing a digital menu on a tablet screen with high-quality images of various Mexican dishes like tacos, asada, and tamales.A crowd of people, including families and what appears to be a Mariachi band, celebrate a grand opening. A man in the center holds a young child while others clap and cheer, with a large green cilantro logo visible on the building behind them.A Mariachi musician in a black suit with intricate silver embroidery sings into a microphone, holding a guitar, while another musician plays a trumpet in the background during a grand opening celebration.
A close-up shot of a modern point-of-sale system, showing a digital menu on a tablet screen with high-quality images of various Mexican dishes like tacos, asada, and tamales.A crowd of people, including families and what appears to be a Mariachi band, celebrate a grand opening. A man in the center holds a young child while others clap and cheer, with a large green cilantro logo visible on the building behind them.A Mariachi musician in a black suit with intricate silver embroidery sings into a microphone, holding a guitar, while another musician plays a trumpet in the background during a grand opening celebration.
A close-up shot of a modern point-of-sale system, showing a digital menu on a tablet screen with high-quality images of various Mexican dishes like tacos, asada, and tamales.A Mariachi musician in a black suit with intricate silver embroidery sings into a microphone, holding a guitar, while another musician plays a trumpet in the background during a grand opening celebration.
Arlington Heights
Bensenville
Bloomingdale
Chicago Ridge Mall
Crystal Lake
Elgin
Elmhurst
Elmwood Park
Glen Ellyn
Lake Zurich
Lincoln Park
Northlake
Old Town
Prosper
Romeoville
Rosemont
Schaumburg
Stone Park
Sugar Grove
Wheeling
Yorktown
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Career opportunities

Start your story with Cilantro

Looking for more than a job? At Cilantro Taco Grill, we’re not just building restaurants — we’re building futures. Join the team and bring your passion, your skills, and everything that makes you you to the table.
This isn’t just work — it’s familia. From day one, you’ll be part of something meaningful, fast-paced, and full of opportunity to grow.