After acquiring the original tortilla-making machine and recipe from the now-closed Pancho Villa Farmers Market, Windmill Farms has officially relaunched production of the iconic San Diego staple, reviving a cherished piece of local food culture. The tortillas, known for their soft texture and rich, handmade flavor, are now being made in-house daily at Windmill Farms using the exact recipe that helped Pancho Villa build a cult following over the past two decades. Even more remarkably, several of the original Pancho Villa tortilla makers have joined the Windmill Farms team, ensuring not only consistency in taste and process, but also continuity in tradition.
The move comes just months after Pancho Villa’s closure in early February and the passing of its founder, Steve Boney, a longtime figure in San Diego’s independent grocery scene. Steve's brother, Scott Boney - owner of Windmill Farms - shared that Steve had gifted the iconic machine and recipe before his death, entrusting the continuation of the legacy to his family.
The move comes just months after Pancho Villa’s closure in early February and the passing of its founder, Steve Boney, a longtime figure in San Diego’s independent grocery scene. Steve's brother, Scott Boney - owner of Windmill Farms - shared that Steve had gifted the iconic machine and recipe before his death, entrusting the continuation of the legacy to his family.
"We’re using the same equipment, the same process, and even the same team," Windmill Farms confirmed in a statement. "It’s truly the return of something special."
In addition to bringing back the signature flour and wheat tortillas at their original prices, Windmill Farms is also now carrying Pancho Villa’s full lineup of house-made salsas, with more products expected to be reintroduced in the coming months. The relaunch has already stirred excitement among longtime fans who feared the recipes and techniques might be lost after Pancho Villa shuttered.
This marks a rare full-circle moment for the Boney family, whose legacy in San Diego’s grocery business dates back to the 1940s. While previous articles detailed the sometimes complicated dynamic between the brothers, this tortilla project now represents a tangible bridge between generations - one that honors Steve Boney’s memory while strengthening Windmill Farms' community roots.
Windmill Farms Community Market is located at 6386 Del Cerro Boulevard. For updates and hours, visit windmillfarmsmarket.com.
In addition to bringing back the signature flour and wheat tortillas at their original prices, Windmill Farms is also now carrying Pancho Villa’s full lineup of house-made salsas, with more products expected to be reintroduced in the coming months. The relaunch has already stirred excitement among longtime fans who feared the recipes and techniques might be lost after Pancho Villa shuttered.
This marks a rare full-circle moment for the Boney family, whose legacy in San Diego’s grocery business dates back to the 1940s. While previous articles detailed the sometimes complicated dynamic between the brothers, this tortilla project now represents a tangible bridge between generations - one that honors Steve Boney’s memory while strengthening Windmill Farms' community roots.
Windmill Farms Community Market is located at 6386 Del Cerro Boulevard. For updates and hours, visit windmillfarmsmarket.com.
Originally published on June 27, 2025.
