Real Mex Restaurants facts for kids

Real Mex Restaurants was a company that owned many popular Mexican restaurants across the United States. It was based in Cypress, California. The company managed over 120 restaurants under different names.

The Story of Real Mex Restaurants

Real Mex Restaurants started with a man named Larry Cano. In 1954, he opened the very first El Torito restaurant. This restaurant became so popular that it grew into a chain of many locations.

Another restaurant that became part of Real Mex was Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina. This restaurant first opened its doors in 1960.

How the Company Grew

In 1998, a company called Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. bought Acapulco. They then bought other famous Mexican restaurant chains. These included El Torito and Chevy's Fresh Mex. This is how Real Mex Restaurants grew into a very large company. It became one of the biggest Mexican restaurant groups in the United States.

Changes Over Time

In October 2011, Real Mex Restaurants faced some financial difficulties. The company needed to reorganize its business to pay its debts. This process is called filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Later, in February 2012, the company was sold to a group of investors. An investment group that includes Z Capital Partners now owns it.

Restaurants Owned by Real Mex

Real Mex Restaurants owned several well-known restaurant brands. These included:

• El Torito
• Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina
• Chevy's Fresh Mex
• El Paso Cantina
• Who Song and Larry's
• Las Brisas of Laguna Beach, a famous restaurant in Southern California.