Real Mex Restaurants facts for kids

Real Mex Restaurants was a big company that owned many popular Mexican restaurants in the United States. It was known for chains like El Torito and Chevy's Fresh Mex. The company's main office was in Cypress, California. It operated over 120 Mexican restaurants under different brand names.

History of Real Mex Restaurants

How the Company Started

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

Another important start was the opening of Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in 1960. These two restaurant chains, El Torito and Acapulco, were very successful.

Growing Bigger

In 1998, Acapulco Mexican Restaurant became part of a larger business group. This group helped Acapulco grow and become Real Mex Restaurants. They bought other well-known Mexican restaurant chains, including El Torito and Chevy's Fresh Mex.

Over time, Real Mex Restaurants became one of the largest Mexican restaurant companies in the United States. Its restaurants were located all across the country.

Changes and Ownership

In October 2011, the company faced some financial challenges. It went through a process called "Chapter 11 bankruptcy." This is a legal step that allows a company to reorganize its money and debts while still operating.

In February 2012, the company was sold to a group of its lenders. Later, an investment group that included Z Capital Partners became the owner of Real Mex Restaurants. The company stopped operating on October 27, 2018.

Restaurant Brands

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)