El Charrito El Charrito El Charrito is a brand of Tex-Mex TV dinners. The word is Spanish for "little cowboy". The brand was introduced in 1980 by the Campbell Taggart company, who owned the El Chico restaurant chain. Though its entrees included taquitos, queso, and beef enchiladas, it was also known for the uniquely named Saltillo Dinner, a three-compartment dinner consisting of two enchiladas (one each beef and cheese), Spanish rice and refried beans. In 1995 the parent company became Earthgrains and chose to focus on baked goods, selling the El Charrito brand to Don Miguel Mexican Foods, now a part of
Real Mex Restaurants Restaurants, acquiring El Torito, Chevy's Fresh Mex and other Mexican full-service chains. The company's reach is now nationwide, and the company claims to be the largest Mexican restaurant chain in the United States. In October 2011, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In February 2012, it was sold to a group of debt holders. The company is now owned by an investment group that includes Z Capital Partners. Real Mex Restaurants portfolio includes: El Torito, Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, Chevy's Fresh Mex, El Torito Grill, El Paso Cantina, Who Song and Larry's and the Southern California landmark Las