After more than three decades in business, the popular El Torito located at the entrance of the Outlets at Orange complex will shut its doors for good next week. According to Xperience Restaurant Group, which owns the Mexican casual dining chain, its last day will be Tuesday, June 27.
“It is with deep disappointment and a heavy heart that we announce the closure of El Torito at the Outlets at Orange,” said Randy Sharpe, president and CEO of Xperience Restaurant Group said in a written statement. “We invested significant time, energy, and resources in ensuring we retain this very successful location. Unfortunately, our efforts did not yield the desired outcome.”
In five years of business , this will be Xperience Restaurant Group’s first restaurant to close.
“I have so many fond memories that took place at this location,” said Hector Silva, regional vice president of El Torito, who got his start at the restaurant as a cook in 1983, in a written statement. “From loyal guests celebrating family milestones, to cheering with guests during the FIFA World Cup, and the energy from the annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations, this location holds a sacred place in my heart. I have watched so many employees grow and build their careers here, especially with my time as general manager.”
Simon Property Group, which owns the property, declined to reveal lease details, providing the following statement from Amanda Shewan, director of marketing at The Outlets at Orange: “At this moment, we cannot share information on future development plans.”
According to Sharpe, the restaurant’s 80-person staff will not lose their jobs. Instead, they will transfer to other El Torito locations or Xperience-owned restaurants in the area, including Chevys Fresh Mex, Sol Mexican Cocina, Acapulco and Las Brisas. “They will have a choice to go where they want to go,” he said. “We’re going to bend over backwards to make sure everyone is happy.”
Opening its doors in 1989, the Orange location, noted for its Mission Revival facade studded by towering palm trees, was a favored dining spot for hungry shoppers from the nearby outlets. The chain restaurant will end its Orange era on one of the most hallowed days for El Torito: Taco Tuesday. The alliterative and now contentious weekly holiday is when guests can purchase discounted tacos from the taco bar, usually accompanied by margarita-induced merriment.
“It will be nice to end for something we’re known for throughout the United States,” said Sharpe. “After all, we had the first Taco Tuesday, no matter what anyone says .”
