El Torito, a well-known Torito Mexican Restaurant chain with a significant presence in California, has announced the closure of its Stockton location. This marks the end of an era for the West March Lane establishment, a fixture in the community for many years. Diners seeking their favorite El Torito dishes at this location will have to look elsewhere after its final service.
End of an Era in Stockton
The El Torito Mexican Restaurant in Stockton is set to close its doors permanently at 10 p.m. on Sunday, February 2nd. According to Rachel Pitzer, a shift coordinator at the restaurant, the closure is due to “lease expiration.” A sign indicating the space is available for lease has been visible in front of the El Torito parking area since September, signaling changes were on the horizon for this torito mexican restaurant.
Employees of the Stockton El Torito were informed of the impending closure just days before the announcement, on Tuesday. Pitzer noted that the restaurant employs around 25 to 30 individuals, many of whom have dedicated decades of service to El Torito. The sudden news has understandably caused shock and concern among the staff.
“The people I feel really bad for are the people who have been here 30, 40 years,” Pitzer stated. “Once you hit past 60, people don’t want to hire you. I just hope that everybody tries to acknowledge that and help these people survive and find jobs, and don’t just turn away because they’re older.” Many of these long-term employees worked in the kitchen or as waitstaff, roles where their experience is invaluable, yet they now face an uncertain job market.
Despite the somber news, Pitzer expressed a hopeful outlook. “Hopefully it’s one door closes and another opens, and something can take the place of what’s been here for 50 years,” she said, acknowledging the restaurant’s significant history in Stockton. She also clarified that this closure is isolated to the Stockton location and does not affect other El Torito restaurants.
Alt text: Lease sign in front of El Torito Mexican Restaurant in Stockton, announcing closure.
El Torito is part of the Xperience Restaurant Group, which operates 31 El Torito restaurants across California, along with other dining brands such as Chevys Fresh Mex and Sol Mexican Cocina. El Torito boasts a rich history, dating back to 1954 when Larry Cano opened the first location. The chain is credited with popularizing Mexican restaurant staples like frozen margaritas, tableside guacamole, and sizzling fajitas, contributing significantly to the American appreciation for torito mexican restaurant experiences.
More Than Just a Restaurant: Community Remembers El Torito
The news of the closure has resonated deeply within the Stockton community. On the Facebook group “Memories of Stockton, California,” residents have been sharing their recollections and expressing sadness about the loss of this local torito mexican restaurant.
Ortensia Peralta Vazquez, a Facebook user, commented, “I have SO many memories at El Toritos … Met some nice people as well. Sad to hear they are closing. Thank you for all the good memories.” This sentiment is echoed by many others who view El Torito as more than just a place to eat, but a venue for important life moments.
Anjie Benavides, the general manager of the Stockton El Torito, confirmed the closure on Facebook, writing, “It’s true … I’m the GM & we just found out today. We are all very sad. Last day of business will be this Sunday, 2/2. Come & join us for our last brunch that day from 9am-2pm. Thank you for the years of support – we will miss all of our guests!” Her message reflects the personal impact of the closure on both staff and loyal customers.
Benavides shared with The Stockton Record the overwhelming community response in the days leading up to the closure. “The community supporting us for over four decades, almost five decades since we’ve been in that location, has been instrumental for us to be able to stay that long, and we’re very thankful for their support all this time,” Benavides said. “We wish that we could stick around.” The outpouring of support led to the restaurant having to stop seating new tables early on Thursday night due to the influx of customers wanting to experience El Torito one last time.
Alt text: El Torito General Manager Anjie Benavides saddened by the restaurant closure announcement.
Benavides recounted poignant stories from customers, highlighting the emotional connection people have with the torito mexican restaurant. “A lot of people are shocked. I hear a lot of people saying, ‘I spent my 21st birthday here 20 years ago,’ ‘I spent my anniversary here,’ ‘I met my husband here,’ ‘I met my wife here.’ Those are the things that make me choke up,” she shared. One particularly touching story involved regulars who had their first date at El Torito 45 years ago and recently celebrated their wedding anniversary by returning to the same booth in the bar, showcasing the restaurant’s role in people’s life stories.
The news of the closure was especially difficult to deliver to her staff. “I feel like I’m grieving. I’m grieving a death because I wasn’t ready to go … none of us were ready to go. None of us wanted to be without a job,” Benavides expressed, emphasizing the personal and professional loss felt by the employees. Adding to the hardship, she confirmed that employees would not be receiving severance pay, further compounding the challenges for those now facing joblessness.
El Torito’s Legacy and Future
El Torito’s departure from Stockton marks the end of a long chapter for this particular torito mexican restaurant location. While the Stockton community mourns the loss of a familiar dining spot and a repository of cherished memories, the El Torito chain continues to operate in other California cities. For those in San Joaquin County seeking the El Torito experience, the closest locations are in San Leandro, Milpitas, and Monterey, according to the El Torito website.
As Stockton says “adiós” to its El Torito, the memories and community connections forged within its walls will undoubtedly endure. The closure serves as a reminder of the important role local restaurants play in the social fabric of a community, becoming more than just places to eat, but spaces where life’s milestones are celebrated and memories are made.
Alt text: Interior view of El Torito Mexican Restaurant dining area in Stockton.
The space left vacant by El Torito presents an opportunity for new beginnings. As Rachel Pitzer optimistically noted, the closure of one door may well open another, paving the way for a new establishment to become a part of Stockton’s evolving culinary landscape. Whether another torito mexican restaurant or a different dining concept takes its place, the location at West March Lane is poised for a new chapter, while the legacy of El Torito in Stockton will remain a fondly remembered part of the city’s history.
