It won’t be long until Mahomet residents can get some of Central Illinois’ favorite Mexican food at El Toro. If all goes as planned, owner Victor Fuentes plans to open doors to the thirteenth El Toro site on Eastwood Dr. on Feb. 17.
Fuentes began working in the restaurant business washing dishes at 11-years-old. He worked his way up the chain before opening his first El Toro restaurant with his cousin and uncle. Fuentes continues his business partnership with his uncle, and runs twelve stores with his brother.
El Toro restaurants can be found in Champaign, Urbana, St. Joe, Danville, Rantoul, Monticello, Arcola and Bloomington. Fuentes also operates Wedge in downtown Champaign alongside El Toro restaurants in OH and KY.
“We’re very personable,” Fuentes said. “Even though we have grown, we are still very approachable. We still shake hands; we still know who people are. We try to make everyone feel like they’re welcome here regardless of who they are. We are very family friendly in all aspects of it.”
Occupying the spaces which were previously The Azteca and The Coffee House, Fuentes will use the existing kitchen, and make the west door the main foyer entrance. The Coffee House space will house a bar with booth and table seating in the main dining area.
Once the weather warms up, Fuentes plans to add additional outdoor seating in front of the restaurant.
