Stanislaus food scene this week: closures, expansion and a taco truck plants roots

The Stanislaus County food scene is seeing some shakeups, with closures, expansions and a decades-old taco truck finally putting down roots. Here’s a roundup of the biggest local restaurant news this week.

Here are key takeaways:

• Turlock restaurateur Jerry Powell is closing Cuts Steakhouse on May 2 after shutting down his Ripon business, Ripon Social, on Easter Sunday. Outstanding gift cards from either location can be used at Katana Sushi Bar. The Rusty Nail bar in Ceres also has closed, with new owners set to revamp the space. Former owner Nelson Ramirez, who once worked for Jerry Powell, will keep The Standard Pub in east Modesto open.

• Thaiburi, a popular Modesto Thai restaurant, has opened a second location at 811 W. Hawkeye Ave. in Turlock. Owner Robbie Smiley said building a solid team at his Modesto restaurant made the expansion possible.

• Tony’s Tacos, a Salida taco truck operating since 1996, now has a permanent home at La Plazita Montes, 4800 Elm St. in Salida. Owners Emerita Panduro and Efren Montes had parked at five different spots over the years before buying the plot. La Plazita Montes holds its grand opening Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., featuring food specials, a DJ, a bounce house and a live mural painting. Tony’s Tacos will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.