Makayla Richardson Portal Realty Commercial Agent

In a city where food speaks louder than billboards, El Indio has become a staple of Gainesville culture. Known for its bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and fast, friendly service, the restaurant has been serving up authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine since 1992. With every bite, customers are reminded of the restaurant’s commitment to scratch-made dishes — no canned guacamole, no pre-packaged meat, just real food, real fast.

But behind every great restaurant is an even greater story — and El Indio’s latest chapter has been written with the help of Portal Commercial Realty, a local brokerage with a boutique approach to business.

The Spark of Something New

Two years ago, Teresa Callen, co-founder of Portal, approached the two brothers behind El Indio with a proposition: expand.

At the time, El Indio was comfortably rooted at its original 13th Street location — a property they had owned for decades and weren’t eager to part with. But Teresa had her eye on a unique opportunity just outside Gainesville: a decommissioned fire station in Jonesville being auctioned off with a $500,000 minimum bid. It wasn’t just a property — it was a vision waiting to be realized.

A Dream Team Assembled

Portal Commercial Realty is no ordinary brokerage. Based in Gainesville with a new office recently opened in St. Augustine, Portal is a full-service firm that prides itself on curating personalized teams for every client. The firm is made up of specialists across age groups, backgrounds, and experiences — offering a custom-fit approach for every transaction.

Teresa did more than pitch a property — she assembled a comprehensive team to bring the dream to life. This included:

• Attorney support for the auction process
• Financing expert Jane Harris with Florida Credit Union to secure the loan
• Architect Josh Shakin and general contractor Rylan Wagner with Joyner Construction
• Interior designers Rachel and Chelsea with Chinotto House
• Construction services from Joyner Construction

The mission: transform a former firehouse into a vibrant new home for El Indio, complete with a drive-through and full-service bar.

A Community-First Vision

The new location isn’t just a second outpost — it’s a testament to the power of local collaboration. Situated near local hotspots like Dorn’s West, Gator Dockside, and Mi Apa, the Jonesville El Indio is now part of a growing commercial corridor with a distinctly local flavor.

What began as a conversation evolved into a strategic acquisition. The original Jonesville parcel was ultimately sold at auction for over $600,000, a significant investment made possible by faith in community, a strong team, and a brokerage that goes far beyond the transaction.

Not Just a Deal — A Relationship

“This wasn’t about making a commission,” Teresa explains. “It was about curating a future — for El Indio, for the community, and for everyone involved in making it happen.” In fact, Portal even negotiated a consulting fee in lieu of commission, reflecting the unique nature of the project and the level of involvement from day one.

The partnership speaks to Portal’s ethos — that success in commercial real estate is not about numbers, it’s about relationships. From tenant advisement and development to long-term planning, Portal serves as a trusted partner in helping businesses grow and thrive.

El Indio’s Future — and Portal’s Mission

With over 30 years of history in Gainesville, El Indio has always been about family, culture, and authenticity. The new location in Jonesville honors that legacy while expanding its reach — and its impact.

For Portal, the project is a shining example of what’s possible when local businesses support local businesses. “We’re not just finding space,” says Teresa. “We’re building legacies.”

Visit El Indio

Experience the new El Indio at 5011 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32605, or visit their flagship at 13th Street, or their 34th Street location adjacent to the YMCA to taste the difference that community-driven, fresh-made food can deliver.

Learn More About Portal

To learn more about Portal Commercial Realty and their work across Gainesville and beyond, visit portalgainesville.com or follow them on social media @PortalRealty.