El Charro Café, one of the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurants, continues to be an important part of the Sahuarita community. Named “One of America’s 21 Most Legendary Restaurants”, by Gourmet Magazine in 2008, this family-owned and operated restaurant has shown itself to be a local staple. Since becoming a part of the Rancho Sahuarita Marketplace in 2009, EL Charro has participated in countless community events, and provided area residents with award-winning and authentic dishes; but with a local twist.
Like many businesses in the Town of Sahuarita, many of El Charro’s employees live in the community and enjoy seeing their neighbors on a regular basis. The local connection of the team at El Charro is something that makes the restaurant special, and contributes to the success of the restaurant as a local treasure.
As a long time Sahuarita resident, Manager Sam Gelardi is proud of his local team: “We have worked very hard to hire qualified employees from Rancho Sahuarita and the surrounding community. We have been successful, in that a majority of our employees live here and work in our restaurant, and we are very proud of that.”
El Charro has also established itself as a vital stakeholder within the community and plays an active part in the community and is vested here. Gelardi continued, “El Charro is out in the community and is involved in special events, ranging from catering events at the various schools, distinctive events at the school district, Rancho Sahuarita activities, events for groups such as the various sports camps, and for signature events promoting the Town Center.”
Gelardi concludes, “We continually give back to the community with our time, financial support and people. We are also proud members and active with numerous clubs and civic organizations throughout the area.” Since establishing in Sahuarita, El Charro has supported local youth sports leagues, such as Copper Hills Little League, 49ers Football, and AYSO Soccer. The restaurant and its employees also support the Boy Scouts and other civic organizations throughout Sahuarita and Green Valley.
El Charro offers the community a unique dining option, specializing in various special menu items and offerings. Not only does El Charro feature a selection of craft beers and the unique ‘Charro Grill’ entrees, but it also offers residents access to gluten free or low trans-fat options. There are many weekly specials. Children can eat free of charge Monday-Wednesday, and on Tuesdays, teachers can receive a free entrée with the purchase of another for “Teacher Tuesdays.” Finally, El Charro always offers a 10% military discount, showing support of those who have sacrificed and dedicated their lives to serving our country.
By combining their “innovators and originators,” El Charro Café will continue to be an invaluable part of the local region, staying true to the values and recipes that have made it successful in the past and also in continuing to evolve their offerings.