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El Cerro Mexican Bar & Grill | Our Story

A gathering of flavors, friends, and culture

A gathering of flavors, friends, and culture

El Cerro’s story began in October of 1991 here in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Ricardo, Salvador, and Heriberto opened the first El Cerro in the area after noticing the need for family-friendly Mexican cuisine. Their goal was to open a family restaurant that didn’t just serve Mexican food, but gave the Grand Strand community an experience of Mexico. Together they opened what has become a leading hospitality group throughout the Grand Strand.

The Foundations of El Cerro

  • Rooted in 1991

    Our story began in North Myrtle Beach with a simple vision: give the Grand Strand community an experience of Mexico.

  • Mexican Culture at the Table

    Traditional flavors and fresh, quality dishes bring our Mexican heritage to every gathering.

  • Hospitality Across Generations

    A welcoming family atmosphere connects our guests, our team, and the community, carrying our founders’ vision forward.

The first location

The first location

The founders saw a gap along the Grand Strand — a place where families could gather around real Mexican food in a warm, welcoming room. They opened on Highway 17 N and built something the community didn't know it was missing.
Food made from scratch, daily

Food made from scratch, daily

Our food, while still traditional, is one of a kind on the Grand Strand. The El Cerro staff, cooks, and chefs agree that it is our loyal customers that make the El Cerro experience great. Together with the community, we bring together a chain of restaurants that share the authentic Mexican cuisine and culture throughout the Grand Strand.
Eight locations and counting

Eight locations and counting

What began as one dining room has grown into eight restaurants stretching across the Southern Carolinas, each carrying forward the founders' original vision. The guests who keep coming back are the real heart of El Cerro.
Mission and vision

Mission and vision

We share our Mexican culture through our fresh and quality dishes, creating a family atmosphere, bringing generations together since 1991.
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