For Javier Sandoval, opening his new restaurant, Mi Ranchito Taqueria, was all about family.

And that’s how customers are treated when they walk into the new Loomis eatery, located in Loomis Plaza at 5911 King Road. The mall now houses a trio of eating establishments: Loomis Chinese, Café Zorro and Sandoval’s taqueria.

Besides a warm greeting, diners at the taqueria will also find a casual atmosphere, the aromas of authentic Mexican cuisine, and, on Friday evenings, a room filled with live Mexican music.

“I’m proud that everything is fresh and authentic,” said Sandoval. “All the sauces are completely from scratch, everything.”

Jalisco-style carnitas, made of deep-fried pork, is Sandoval’s specialty. He said he uses unique spices and has developed a special way of preparing the pork.

“There’s a trick to cooking carnitas to perfection,” Sandoval said, “and that’s what we do.”

This is the first restaurant venture for the 35-year-old Roseville native. But it’s hardly his first foray into the kitchen.

“I’ve been catering carnitas for 11 years, along with my mother,” Sandoval explained. “I get my passion from her.

“She used to sell homemade flour tortilla burritos and tamales to many state employees during my state tenure.

“I would do all the carnitas. She would do rice, beans and salsas. I started doing weddings, baptisms and family parties.”

Sandoval lost his parents, Aurora and Abel Sandoval Sr., a brother and a sister in the last few years.

He has named the restaurant Mi Ranchito Taqueria in their honor.

“My parents were very proud of how they raised us on five acres in Newcastle,” where Javier was the youngest of eight children, he said. His father always referred to Rancho Sandoval as “mi ranchito.”

“We raised animals, horses, pigs, goats, chickens and roosters. My father was known for his bountiful gardens. He was from New Mexico and he raised some of the best New Mexico chiles around, from what I know,” Sandoval said.

For Sandoval, Mi Ranchito Taqueria is “heaven-sent. I’m really grateful to all my family members and close friends, without whom this couldn’t have come true. I couldn’t have done it without all the support I’ve had.”

Sandoval also gives his mother-in-law, Sebastiana Morales, credit for the authenticity of his recipes.

“The sauces are recipes from my mother-in-law in Oaxaca, Mexico,” he said.

Taqueria diners will find a complete menu of Mexican favorites. In addition to carnitas, it includes lunch, dinner and combination plates featuring steak, chicken, chile verde (pork in green sauce), chile colorado (pork in red sauce), enchiladas, childe rellenos (cheese-stuffed chiles), tostadas, and quesadillas. The weekend menu includes menudo (tripe soup) and birria (marinated goat) tacos.

Burritos have also proven to be a success, Sandoval said, especially with the area’s workers who stop in for their morning meal. Other breakfast items include huevos rancheros (eggs in tomato sauce) and huevos con chorizo (a Mexican sausage), among others.

Sandoval also serves $1 grilled tacos, which are topped with cilantro, onion and hot salsa and make for a tasty meal.

Sandoval is pleased to be able to serve quality food at affordable prices.

“Our prices are very reasonable,” he said. “All of the dinner plates, for the amount of food they’re getting, are very reasonably priced. That’s what customers tell me.”

Enjoying lunch recently were regulars Michael McGee, of Newcastle, and Tom Scott of Auburn, both employees at Pacific Parks Landscaping in the nearby Swetzer Road industrial park.

“I eat out every day,” said McGee. “I go where the food is good.”

Sandoval, who left his job with the state of California last August, is a hands-on owner who gets help in the restaurant from his wife, Patricia, as well as their children Marisa, Javier Jr., Enrique and Ysela.

Helping him in the kitchen are grill cooks Leopoldo Fonseca and Adriana Martinez, both of Roseville and both experienced cooks.

The 36-seat restaurant has been packed with diners since it opened last November and Sandoval is grateful for the reception he’s received.

“I would like to thank the people of Loomis, and my business neighbors,” he said, “for the way they welcomed us.”

He’d like others to have the Mi Ranchito Taqueria experience, too.

“All I ask is that you come in and give us a try,” Sandoval said.

“The taste,” that’s what customers will remember, he said. “It’s fresh and authentic. The taste keeps you asking for more.”

Mi Ranchito Taqueria is located at 5911 King Road, Suite D. Winter hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. No reservations are required; for information call 652-4445.