El Faro
Jose Zavala Hernandez, a native of Mexico City, Mexico, possessed an innate entrepreneurial spirit. From a young age, he delved into the restaurant business, selling tacos on the vibrant streets of Mexico City. In 1978, he embarked on a journey to achieve the American Dream and established a modest eatery named Los Portales in 1979. In 1980, seizing an opportunity, he took over a restaurant called El Faro near 31st and Pulaski. With a growing family, he enlisted the help of his children, turning the venture into a family affair. Just a year later, he expanded his entrepreneurial endeavors by opening another El Faro in Summit, transforming it into a 24-hour burrito hotspot with a menu resembling the one we enjoy today. Though he had to part ways with the 31st street El Faro, the restaurant retained its name. Tragically, in 1989, he passed away, leaving behind two thriving businesses, eleven children, and a devoted wife. Today, his legacy lives on through the capable hands of his eldest son, Pablo
El Faro in Summit was established in 1981. The culinary offerings encompassed a diverse selection of burritos, tortas, and tacos, with the majority of items priced below $1. Operating seamlessly around the clock, seven days a week, the restaurant maintained this schedule until the onset of the recent pandemic, which necessitated a strategic adaptation. Consequently, we have since made the decision to operate until 2 am, ensuring a refined and responsive approach to the evolving circumstances.
Our latest addition, El Faro 2 in Riverside, IL, commenced operations on November 13th, 2019. The selection of this location was driven by the spacious interior, accommodating over 80 patrons, with a focus on providing an enhanced dining experience featuring table service and a complimentary salsa bar. To further elevate this dining destination, an expanded menu exclusive to this location was introduced. Despite the challenges posed by the subsequent pandemic, we swiftly adapted, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout this unprecedented period.
