Karen Newman
jokarmid@gmail.com

Slated to open in January, 2020, the El Torero (the bullfighter) restaurant site presents refreshed green and red highlights and bold signage added to the exterior of the former Perkins restaurant located at 3005 Highway 10 East in Moorhead.
Jose Aguirre, an Ohio restauranteur with thirty years’ experience, partners with Californian Alfredo Lopez in El Torero. According to Aguirre, who owns eating establishments in Ohio, the fine food and service his existing restaurants provide will continue in his newest location.
El Torero will cater to the entire family, featuring popular Mexican foods such as fajitas, burritos, tacos and chimichangas. Jose declared the classic El Pollo Loco chicken dish as his favorite from the new menu. He said that one of the partners’ goals for their new business is to provide good, authentic Mexican food to people in the Moorhead area. As local produce becomes available in the growing season, the new owners plan to utilize farm fresh ingredients as they are available.
Asked why an Ohioan and a Californian decided to open a restaurant in Moorhead, Minnesota, Jose said a relative already living locally recommended the location when he knew that Aguirre and Lopez were contemplating opening a new eatery. Aguirre said, “The Moorhead Business Association has been very helpful to us. A representative visited just before my Extra interview.” El Torero’s plan includes initiating a strong social media presence in addition to more traditional ways of advertising their business. With an emphasis on hiring local workers for remodeling and for staffing, Aguirre invites prospective employees and customers to call him at 218-227-5345.