El Torito, the leading authority in Mexican food since 1954, is marking their 68th anniversary in a big way, with a series of celebrations paying tribute to Hispanic Heritage Month and the restaurant’s storied past. Starting Sept. 15, 2022, the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, and culminating in El Torito’s 68th anniversary party on Oct. 13, 2022, guests can expect specials and programming that illustrate the restaurant’s rich history and promising future as a pioneer in Mexican cuisine.

“El Torito has long been a beloved destination for authentic Mexican cuisine and warm hospitality, and this year we wanted to take that a step further and offer new ways for our guests to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us,” says Randy Sharpe, CEO of Xperience Restaurant Group. “From our philanthropic partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, to showcasing the talent of local LatinX artists to our honoring of our longtime employees—some of whom have been with us for over 30 years—we’re looking forward to sharing our heritage with diners throughout Hispanic Heritage Month.” 

El Torito was founded in 1954 by Larry Cano, who transformed a struggling tiki bar into a bustling Mexican dining destination that is now credited with popularizing Mexican cuisine in the United States. El Torito is known for being the originator of many of the menu offerings now seen in countless restaurants across the country, including Frozen Margaritas, Taco Tuesday, and tableside guacamole and Cadillac Margarita presentations. With heritage-driven recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, El Torito now has 31 locations across California. El Torito’s anniversary and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations include: 

Celebration of Hispanic Art 

The life size bulls stationed outside many El Torito locations have been iconic to the brand for many years. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, El Torito has partnered with four LA-based, Hispanic artists to paint four of these bulls at El Torito locations throughout Los Angeles and Orange County. The art from Man One (Ontario El Torito), Ms. Yellow (Torrance El Torito), DessiBoo (Cypress El Torito), and Mr. B Baby Art (Woodland Hills El Torito) will pay homage to Hispanic culture, and will be on display throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. The artists will be painting live at the locations on the following dates: 

• Man One at Ontario El Torito, Sept. 14 – 15 from 12 – 6 p.m. 

• Mr. B Baby Art at Woodland Hills El Torito, Sept. 17 – 19 from 9 a.m. to sunset 

• Ms. Yellow at Torrance El Torito, Sept. 19 – 21 from 11 a.m. to sunset

• DessiBoo at Cypress El Torito, Sept. 22 – 24 from 11 a.m. to sunset 

Charitable Partnership with Hispanic Scholarship Fund 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, El Torito is partnering on a giveback program with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, a non-profit organization that empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF scholars and alumni, as possible. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, diners at El Torito will be given the option to “round up” their total bill, with the difference benefitting the foundation.

Honoring Employee Longevity

Much of El Torito’s success is a direct result of the dedication and hospitality of their employees, a number of whom have been with the restaurant for decades. Guests return year after year to celebrate their life milestones with El Torito in large part due to the warm service for which El Torito is known. Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, El Torito will be celebrating six Hispanic employees who have been with the restaurant for decades, ranging from 16 years all the way to 45 years.

68th Anniversary Parties 

On Oct. 13, 2022 from 3 p.m. to close, every El Torito location will host an anniversary fiesta, featuring free tacos from a build-your-own taco bar, happy hour specials including $4 well drinks and $6 Signature Margaritas, and a live mariachi. Details can be found by visiting www.eltorito.com.