Craving authentic Mexican food right now? If you’re searching for “Mexican Restaurants Near Me Open Now” in the Dayton area, you’re in luck. The story of El Toro Mexican Restaurants is a testament to family, tradition, and bringing the vibrant tastes of Mexico to Ohio. What began as a heartfelt dream has blossomed into a beloved chain of 14 locations, each offering a taste of genuine Mexican cuisine and warm hospitality.
The Story of El Toro: From Family Dream to Dayton Favorite
The journey of El Toro began with Federico Munoz, a father with a vision. His story is one of humble beginnings, starting in the strawberry fields of California. Inspired by a family member who successfully launched a Mexican restaurant at a time when such cuisine was a rarity in the United States, Federico envisioned sharing his own family recipes and Mexican culture with American diners.
Federico’s path into the restaurant world started in 1989 at El Matador in Virginia. There, he immersed himself in the intricacies of cooking and restaurant management, learning the essential skills that would later pave the way for his own venture. He further honed his expertise by working in several other Mexican restaurants before becoming a part owner of El Ranchero in West Virginia, a business initiated by one of his nephews.
“He started gaining experience in all these restaurants and began teaching his kids how to work in the kitchen,” explains Enrique Alvarez, El Toro’s district manager. As opportunities arose, the family considered opening a second El Ranchero location, and Federico ensured his children became part owners, fostering a sense of shared ownership and responsibility. However, as life’s currents began to scatter the family across different paths, the idea of a family business that could keep them united took root.
“Munoz dreamed of a family-owned business where he could keep his family close,” Alvarez recounts. Driven by this dream, Federico scouted locations across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Kentucky, searching for the ideal place to plant the seeds of his family’s restaurant legacy. Springfield, Ohio, emerged as the perfect canvas to transform their dream into a tangible reality.
Expanding Across Dayton: Your Go-To Mexican Restaurants
In 1999, El Toro opened its first location on Limestone Street in Springfield. This marked the realization of Federico’s vision and the beginning of El Toro’s journey to becoming a Dayton area staple for Mexican food. Fueled by the success of their first venture, the Munoz family reinvested their profits and opened a second location in Bellbrook in 2001. This second restaurant proved to be an even greater success, warmly embraced by the Bellbrook community.
The momentum continued, and in 2002, a third El Toro location opened in Mason, later relocating to Beavercreek. This expansion was a testament to the growing popularity of El Toro and the Munoz family’s commitment to bringing their authentic flavors to a wider audience. Over the years, El Toro’s footprint expanded across the Dayton area, with new restaurants opening in Vandalia, Huber Heights, Dayton, Beavercreek, Springfield, Englewood, Springboro, and Centerville. Today, with 14 locations, El Toro has become synonymous with quality Mexican dining in the region.
Alvarez attributes El Toro’s sustained success to a simple yet powerful formula: building strong relationships with their customers and consistently reinvesting in the business. “They live within their means and reinvest everything into the next project,” Alvarez states, highlighting the family’s dedication to growth and improvement. Their strategic focus on the Dayton and Springfield areas proved to be ideal for cultivating a loyal customer base and building a thriving community around their restaurants.
The Munoz family, consisting of five brothers and one sister, remains deeply involved in the daily operations of El Toro. Four brothers—Samuel, Adalberto, Juan, and Sergio—are particularly active, ensuring that the family’s values and commitment to quality are upheld across all locations. This hands-on approach and unwavering family spirit are integral to the El Toro experience.
El Toro’s story is far from over. Driven by the same family spirit and dedication that ignited their journey, they have exciting plans for continued expansion throughout the Dayton area. So, the next time you search for “mexican restaurants near me open now,” remember El Toro. With multiple locations and a legacy built on authentic flavors and family values, El Toro is ready to welcome you and offer a true taste of Mexico, right here in Dayton.
