Our Story
About Us
From Californian Inspiration to Authentic Mexican Cuisine
The journey of El Mex began approximately 15 years ago during a family holiday in California. While travelling along the coast towards San Diego, we discovered a remarkable prevalence of Mexican restaurants, which ignited our profound appreciation for this vibrant cuisine.
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Upon our return home, the desire for authentic Mexican food persisted. We found that local dining options often lacked the true depth of Mexican flavours, prompting us to experiment in our kitchen. This initial exploration soon evolved into a dedicated quest to understand the very heart of Mexican culinary traditions.
The Pursuit of Authentic Flavours
A Commitment to Authenticity
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We embarked on a journey through Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca to immerse ourselves in the rich culture and diverse tastes firsthand. From sampling unique local delicacies to savouring traditional street tacos, every culinary experience was a revelation, deepening our understanding and passion.
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Inspired by these culinary adventures, we established El Mex with a clear mission: to share the authentic taste of Mexico with a wider audience in UK.
Our Philosophy
Quality, Freshness, and Precision
At El Mex, we are steadfast in our commitment to using only high-quality, fresh ingredients. We carefully source all our produce, and our philosophy prioritises inherent flavour and quality in our cooking process.
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Furthermore, our investment in state-of-the-art equipment, including high-specification rational cooking appliances, enables precise portioning and consistent cooking. This dedication to advanced culinary technology underscores our commitment to delivering a superior product and an exceptional experience to every customer.
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Our purpose-built central production kitchen is the cornerstone of this commitment, ensuring that only the freshest ingredients and most genuine flavours reach our customers. This facility is meticulously maintained by our dedicated manager of eight years, whose commitment to quality ensures that every dish that comes out of our locations is a true delight.
The Team behind El Mex
Paul Stagg
Director
John Coverley
Director
Lisa James
Operations Manager
Michelle Serrano
Marketing Manager
El Mex Timeline
2011
First El Mexicana franchise opened in Sheffield Meadowhall.
2018
After rapid growth El Mexicana
opened its 21st franchise.
2020
Moved away from the franchise model and brought all sites in-house.
Launch of our central kitchen, servicing all stores and improving quality.
2021
Order and pay kiosks introduced
across all stores.
Opened in Swindon Designer Outlet.
2022
Launch of sister brand Don Churro in Cobham, Beaconsfield and Romford.
2022
El Mex Opens in London Luton Airport.
2023
Launch of El Mex & Don Churro at The Food Yard, in Stevenage.
2024
Launch of El Mex & Don Churro at STACK Lincoln.
