El Torito Mexican Restaurant, a beloved dining destination in Stockton, California, has served its last meals. After decades as a community staple, this location, part of the wider El Torito chain known for its vibrant Mexican flavors across California, has closed its doors, leaving locals surprised and nostalgic.
The Stockton community is bidding farewell to El Torito Mexican Restaurant after its closure due to lease expiration.
Located on March Lane, the Stockton branch of El Torito, a well-known Mexican food chain boasting over 30 locations throughout California, officially ceased operations on Sunday, February 2nd, at 10 p.m. Shift coordinator Rachel Pitzer confirmed to The Stockton Record that the closure was due to the expiration of the restaurant’s lease. A sign indicating the space was available for lease had been visible in front of the restaurant since September, signaling potential changes on the horizon.
Employees were informed of the impending closure just days prior, on Tuesday. This news came as a shock to the 25 to 30 staff members, many of whom had dedicated decades of service to El Torito. Pitzer expressed particular concern for these long-term employees, highlighting the challenges older workers often face in finding new employment. “The people I feel really bad for are the people who have been here 30, 40 years,” she stated, emphasizing the need for community support to help these individuals transition to new jobs.
El Torito Stockton employees, many with decades of service, faced unexpected job loss due to the restaurant’s sudden closure.
While the closure marks the end of an era for Stockton’s El Torito, Pitzer remained hopeful. “Hopefully it’s one door closes and another opens, and something can take the place of what’s been here for 50 years,” she remarked, looking towards the future of the location. Importantly, Pitzer clarified that this closure is isolated to the Stockton restaurant and does not affect any other El Torito locations.
El Torito is part of the Xperience Restaurant Group, which also manages other popular dining brands like Chevys Fresh Mex and Sol Mexican Cocina. The El Torito chain itself has a rich history, dating back to 1954 when Larry Cano opened the first restaurant. Credited with popularizing Mexican restaurant staples like frozen margaritas, tableside guacamole, and sizzling fajitas, El Torito has become synonymous with the festive spirit of Mexican dining, especially for occasions like Taco Tuesday and Cinco De Mayo. The menu features a wide array of Mexican favorites, from fajitas and tacos to enchiladas and their signature margarita flights. For those in the San Joaquin County area still craving El Torito’s offerings, the nearest locations are now in San Leandro, Milpitas, and Monterey, according to the official El Torito website.
El Torito Mexican Restaurant is known for popularizing dishes like sizzling fajitas, a staple of their menu and dining experience.
The news of the closure resonated deeply within the Stockton community, with many taking to social media to express their sadness and share cherished memories. The Facebook group “Memories of Stockton, California” became a digital memorial, filled with heartfelt messages. Ortensia Peralta Vazquez, a Facebook user, commented, “I have SO many memories at El Toritos… Sad to hear they are closing. Thank you for all the good memories.” Anjie Benavides, the General Manager of the Stockton El Torito, confirmed the closure on Facebook, inviting the community to join them for a final brunch on their last day of business. She expressed gratitude for the community’s long-standing support, stating, “We will miss all of our guests!”
Benavides, who had been General Manager for 15 months, shared the emotional impact of the closure. She recounted stories of customers celebrating milestones at El Torito, from 21st birthdays to anniversaries and even first dates that blossomed into marriages. “Those are the things that make me choke up,” Benavides admitted, highlighting the restaurant’s role in the lives of its patrons. The sudden influx of customers in the final days demonstrated the community’s desire to say goodbye, with the restaurant having to stop seating new tables early on their last Thursday night.
The news was particularly difficult to deliver to the staff. “I feel like I’m grieving a death because I wasn’t ready to go… none of us were ready to go,” Benavides confessed, emphasizing the unexpected job losses and the emotional toll on the team. When asked about severance pay for employees, Benavides sadly confirmed, “Unfortunately, no.” Xperience Restaurant Group was contacted for comment but was unavailable before publication.
As Stockton reflects on the closure of El Torito Mexican Restaurant, the outpouring of memories and sentiments underscores the significant role local restaurants play in community life. While the physical location may be changing, the legacy of El Torito and the memories created within its walls will undoubtedly remain a part of Stockton’s history for years to come.
