What a remarkable life story! I was priviledged to have been among those who worked for Mr. Cano during the growth years of El Torito beginning in the 1970's. He was a pioneer at a time when Mexican food was not a common on-every-corner lunch/dinner option. It was through dedication to quality, cleanliness and service that El Torito became among the nations largest resturant chains. That incredible edible shell and even the recognizable "Margarita stemware" by Libby are the direct result of Mr. Cano's significant role in innovation in the restuarant industry. El Torito Mexican Resturants (Marina) was the first in the country to help develope the "computer - cash register" known as the NCR 250 later as the El Torito-La Fiesta national expansion began, the joint "learning experience " resulted in the development of the NCR 2160 changing the way kitchen orders are relayed by the servers to the kitchen and elinating hand written card stock guest checks. It was through the courageous efforts of Mr Cano that many of his employees were priviledged to leave the comforts of califonia living to take the concept of Mexican food to cities east of the rockies where avocados had not ever been seen and where state controlled liqoour stores had never before had to order tequila from Mexico. Yes, Mr Cano changed the resturant industy and he also changed lives His vision gave many of today's resturant executives the training, exposure to diverse market segments, opportunuty to explore cultural diversity, discover the multitude of multiple and overlaping municipal building/fire/liqour/labor codes and always with a support system a home ready encourage even after the most unpredictable thing happened. Mr Cano didi not seal himself inan ivory tower - he even ran the dishwasher when an unanticipated overflow of guests flooded the normally slow early breakfast shift one Chubasco morning.With all tables full the memory will never fade of the President working the dish machine,the Vice President bussing tables and the Supervisor taking food orders. Mr Cano led his employees by example that the entire staff is a team working together. It is his influence on many lives that has been instrumental in the creation of many eateries and of course as a by product thousands of jobs not just in Southern California but in the entire United States. From Burger and Donut Chains, French, Italian, Steak and Seafood Specialtiy Resturants and even the reliable Coffee house the influence of Larry J Cano has had an impact. The standards that made the El Torito-La Fiesta chain grow paved the way for college students and career hospitality workers to experience what for many of us was an opportunity to create that special experience when with a twinkle in the eye the guest says we want to come back again real soon. I am extremely grateful to Mr Cano for the vast array of experience I was priviledged to have as a woman been treated like a lady and encouraged to expand my horizons during a time when management positions across the country were still reserved for men. It was because of Mr Cano's gracious character that many of his employees will always consider him among the finest of gentlemen, and talented entrepaneur..
