The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) unveiled the finalists for the 2025 RAMMYS Awards & Gala last month during a reception that brought together local chefs, restaurateurs, and industry leaders. San Pancho, located in Takoma Park, was a finalist for “New Restaurant of the Year.”
In order to be eligible for the award, a restaurant “must have opened between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in food, beverage and hospitality. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW.” San Pancho was the only Montgomery County restaurant nominated for the award. Voting takes place here.
San Pancho was brought to life by husband-and-wife team Carolina McCandless and David Perez. Since opening last July, the restaurant has garnered acclaim as one of the “Hottest New Brunches” and “Hottest New Restaurants.” Recently, the restaurant was also highlighted for its unique coffee drinks that have drawn lines out the door.
The couple who opened San Pancho also own nearby Cielo Rojo. They first crossed paths in 2012 at a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, where they developed a passion for the region’s iconic “Mission style” burritos. Inspired by their experiences, they founded San Pancho with the tagline “Born in La Mission,” aiming to deliver authentic burritos crafted from premium ingredients. Their flour tortillas, imported from Mexico, are made in the traditional Sonoran style, while their meats are sourced from local, hormone-free farms. Committed to scratch-made dishes, San Pancho seeks to transport San Francisco transplants and food enthusiasts alike to a little corner of the bay right in their own neighborhood.
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