El Torito (Spanish for "the little bull") is an American chain that serves Mexican food. El Torito operates 25 restaurants all in California.[1] El Torito is one of several Mexican cuisine restaurant chains operated by Xperience Restaurant Group.
Founded in 1954, El Torito claims to be "a pioneer in the California full service Mexican casual dining restaurant segment".[1]
History
El Torito was founded in 1954 by Larry J. Cano.[2] Cano had served tours in the U.S Army in Europe and Korea, earned a business degree and worked tending bar. In 1954, he was the manager of a Polynesian restaurant. When the restaurant’s owner died, his widow passed ownership on to Cano. He began serving Mexican food at the restaurant, and it became the first El Torito. At one point, Cano began struggling financially and moved into the restaurant.[2]