KENT — Abel Brambila Guzmán, co-founder of Taqueria El Rinconsito, a widely popular Mexican restaurant chain that grew from a lunch truck into a fixture across Washington state, has died. He was 53.
The company announced his passing Friday evening in a statement that listed the years 1973–2026 and described him as a beloved founder whose work created not only a business but “a great family.”
“29 years ago, along with Lupe Guzmán, Abel gave life to a dream that, thanks to his effort, dedication, and love, became a great family,” the statement read. “Today we bid farewell to the man, but his example, his story, and the legacy he built will remain forever in every corner of El Rinconsito and in the hearts of those who had the joy of knowing him.”
The restaurant family offered condolences to Guzmán’s relatives and loved ones and asked that God grant them strength.
In 1997, Lupe Guzmán, who operated a successful lunch truck, invited Brambila to join him in bringing traditional Mexican food to the Kent area south of Seattle. They opened their first taquería that year. Customer demand, particularly from fellow Mexican immigrants and their families who spread word of the food’s quality and value, quickly led to a second location in Burien.
Their concept of authentic dishes at reasonable prices, served quickly in a clean, family-oriented setting with late hours proved very successful. By January 2016 the partners had opened and maintained 14 locations. The chain later added sites in Seattle, Vancouver, Moses Lake, Puyallup, Renton and additional spots in Yakima and elsewhere, stretching from the Puget Sound region into eastern Washington.
The restaurants serve tacos, burritos, enchiladas, seafood plates, breakfast items and desserts prepared with quality ingredients. El Rinconsito has also been an official sponsor of the Seattle Sounders FC.
In 2022 Taqueria El Rinconsito launched the Rinconsito Foundation. Its stated motto is “Brindando una Mano Amiga”—offering a helping hand.
The foundation organizes fundraising, food and goods donations, emergency aid after natural disasters, medical relief and support for educational programs and scholarships. It partners with churches, schools, community agencies and other restaurants.
No cause of death has been released, and details of a funeral or memorial service have also not been released.
Author: Mario Lotmore
