1947
Tony's Place
Antonio "Tony" Gutierrez and Dolores "Lola" Gutierrez begin their restaurant journey with Tony's Place in downtown Yuma.
Our Story
Rooted in Yuma. Built for generations.
From a small cafe to a Yuma tradition, El Charro Cafe is a story of family, hard work, and recipes made with love. We're proud to serve the same community that has supported us since the very beginning.
- 1947
- 1948
1948
Mesa Cafe
Mesa Cafe opens, becoming the bridge between their first restaurant and the family name.
- 1949
1949
El Charro Cafe Opens
Mesa Cafe is renamed El Charro Cafe and opens on 4th Avenue with about 50 seats and handcrafted recipes.
- 1952
1952
Yuma High & Continental Cafe
Serving Yuma High students and opening the Continental Cafe in Yuma.
- 1970
1970
A New Home
The Gutierrez family builds the larger restaurant at 601 W 8th St, giving El Charro room to grow.
- 1975
1975
Sonny Continues the Legacy
Raul "Sonny" Gutierrez carries forward the family recipes, service standards, and local loyalty that made El Charro.
- 2015
2015
Passed to the Next Generation
El Charro is passed to the third generation: Anna Martinez, Kenny Martinez, Francisco Villa, and Pauline Villa.
- 2017
2017
Voted Yuma's Best
Named Yuma's Best Mexican Restaurant by the people of Yuma and has been the winner for the last 8 consecutive years!
- 2022
2022
A New Chapter
El Charro undergoes one of its largest interior and exterior renovation projects in its history to revamp and bring new life to the restaurant.
- Today
Today
Still Serving Yuma
Today, El Charro remains third-generation family-owned and proudly rooted in Yuma. Thank you for being part of our story for over 75 years.
Family owned
Three generations of Yuma hospitality.
Made from scratch
Handmade tortillas and recipes made with love daily.
Community first
Proudly serving Yuma and supporting local.
Thank you, Yuma
We're grateful to be part of your story for over 75 years.
Homemade recipes
Crafted with tradition, served with heart.