John and Patty
sarah
Copyright © 2008 El Toro Mexican Restaurant, Alachua, FL
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El Toro Mexican Restaurant was purchased in 1990 by Patricia Berger. Having been in the food industry for the majority of her life, she decided to buy an establishment of her own. The family style atmosphere which El Toro offered was perfect.

Life was particularly complicated for Patty. Her child, Sarah, was born handicapped. This unfortunately, made balancing her daily schedule between her little girl and the restaurant very difficult. However, being strong willed and hard working, Patty developed a way to care for her child and manage the business at the same time.

In 1994, Patty married John Stockwell. He took over everyday operation of El Toro, which allowed Patty the time she needed to care for Sarah.

Through the years, the Stockwells were able to build El Toro into an award winning establishment. It was presented “Best Mexican Restaurant” by Today Magazine. The Gainesville Sun awarded the restaurant 1st Place Reader’s Choice two years in a row. And, Florida Living Magazine also bestowed the Reader’s Choice on El Toro for it’s excellent cuisine.

In 2004, Patty and John expanded their business by offering El Toro’s queso and award winning salsa for sale through their internet store. The salsa has been a great favorite of the North Florida community, and University of Florida Gator fans for years. Now was time for it to be introduced to a larger community - the world. As the finest, most flavorful salsa ever produced, Patty and John are excited in it’s enormous success.

In 2008, El Toro relocated to the Rolling Oaks Plaza near Hitchcock’s Market in the city of Alachua. “We moved the restaurant because this is where the growth is,” John said. “It’s been wonderful and it’s been a blessing.”