Pan dulce coming to American Canyon
Opening follows sudden closure of Laso
American Canyon has plenty of Mexican food options — Raíces, Dos Botellas, The Birria Spot and Tacos Michoacan to name a few. What the city doesn’t have, however, is a Mexican bakery, or any dedicated bakery. That’s changing.
Alberto Quiñonez, owner of the popular Lucy’s Bakery and La Taquiza Fish Tacos in Napa, is moving south to open a Lucy’s Bakery and Taqueria in American Canyon at 101 Antonina Avenue, Suite 5, next to Triumph Fitness Center.
Quiñonez opened Lucy’s Bakery in Napa in 2004, when his three kids were still in grade school. Quiñonez and his wife, Lucy Quiñonez, immigrated to Napa from Mexico. The bakery at 2414 Jefferson St. serves up hot champurrado and avena plus some of the city’s best pan dulce, including conchas that stay fluffy throughout the day.
Sarah Quiñonez, the family’s eldest daughter, told the Current that her father has always been an entrepreneur, and is excited for him to continue expanding his vision. Lucy Quiñonez said she and Alberto are holding off on interviews until April, closer to opening.
As of Feb. 10, a Stop Work Notice from American Canyon’s Community Development Department is taped to the door to the shop, which has been under construction for a little over a week.
Brent Cooper, the city’s community development director, told the Current that the notice was posted after “construction activity was observed on the property that requires a building permit.” He did not specify what work was observed.
On social media, some people in the city grumbled about an additional taqueria opening up. Others are looking forward to having a bakery in town.
“I don’t think we need another taqueria,” said American Canyon resident Gloria Acosta on hearing the news of Lucy’s build-out. Then again, she said, “I never met a taco I didn’t like.”
Suite 5 has been vacant since the sudden departure of Laso Authentic Nepalese Restaurant in November. Laso, one of Napa County’s few Nepalese restaurants, was run by Ming Lakpa, who regularly served customers and worked behind the bar. The restaurant was known for its fresh food and hard-to-find dishes, but added on burgers and fries for the kids coming from martial arts classes next door.
The closure surprised a number of locals and drew an outpouring of support in its final days. Several sources told the Current that the closure was prompted by a dispute with landlords Constantin and Patricia Shishkin, whose address is listed in Sonoma. But many agreed the location likely contributed to business difficulties.
Beth Marcus, who has seen restaurants come and go in the city, said she and others were “really sorry they’re closing,” but added that “it’s sort of a bad location.”
Laso had been part of the Antonina Road complex since 2019. Hopefully, the new tenants will stick around too.
