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Board approves Tacos del Gordo hotel/restaurant liquor license after neighborhood survey
Summary
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners granted a hotel/restaurant liquor license to Tacos del Gordo (945 N. Powers Blvd.) by a unanimous 5‑0 vote after Liquor Pros presented a neighborhood needs-and-desire survey showing strong support.
The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously (5‑0) on June 16 to grant a hotel and restaurant liquor license to Tacos del Gordo LLC for premises at 945 North Powers Boulevard in Commissioner District 4.
Liquor licensing consultant Eva Garrettson, representing Liquor Pros, presented a neighborhood "needs and desire" survey conducted May 31 and June 4–6. Garrettson said surveyors attempted contact with 540 businesses, managers and residents and collected 140 signatures: 56 business signatures (55 in favor, one no opinion) and 84 residential signatures (78 in favor, one opposed, five no opinion). Garrettson summarized the raw result as 95% in favor with one opposed; she said excluding "no opinion" responses yielded "99% in favor, 1% opposed." No members of the public registered formal opposition at the hearing.
Applicant Castella Cortez Ernnandez told the board she is the sole member of Tacos del Gordo LLC, that she owns other restaurants in Colorado Springs and Fountain, and that she has a lease for the premises through Oct. 31, 2030. Cortez Ernnandez said she and staff completed a responsible‑vendor training course on June 8, 2026, and affirmed she will require new hires to obtain the same certification.
Commissioners asked about staff training and identification procedures; the applicant confirmed certification protocols and a stated desire to avoid any liquor‑service violations. After brief questions the board approved the application by motion and roll call.
Why it matters
The unanimous approval followed an abbreviated hearing process approved by the board; the county attorney confirmed the item met the criteria for that procedure. The survey and applicant's assurances about staff training were central to the board's consideration. The license now allows on‑premises alcohol service consistent with state and local liquor regulations.
What to watch next
Any compliance issues, complaints or enforcement actions related to the licensed premises will be processed under the county's liquor code and state law.
