By Thomas Sellers Jr.
In an ideal world, right now El Toro Taco would be selling $.45 cent tacos to longtime and new customers in honor of its 45th year in business.
Enter the COVID-19 pandemic. That plan has been put on the back shelf alongside other anniversary activities at El Toro Taco. But things are still busy at the 8067 Highway 51 North location.
Owners Dawn and Jeff have seen a steady flow of customers despite no dine-in for a month.
“We’ve been blessed throughout this situation,” Jeff said. “Our customers are awesome. We have the best customers in Millington. They’ve been faithful in patronizing us and keeping us open.”
As the world face uncertainty with the coronavirus, Rasar said the familiarity of El Toro Taco on various levels has still made it a designation for essential personalize and those stuck at home during this pandemic.
For four and half decades, El Toro Taco has gain a loyal customer base with fresh ingredients, familiar faces working the line and being active in the community.
“It’s another reason we’ve been so blessed because we try to give back to the community,” Rasar said. “We’ve been so charitable because if it wasn’t for the community we wouldn’t still be here. We have to give back.
The Millington business, started by Louis and Louise Murphy back in 1975 is now known for car shows, trunk-or-treat, Taste of Millington, Goat Days and donating to causes like the Millington Crisis Center.
“When all of this hit, I had mix emotions.” Rasar acknowledged. “You never know in small business. Down deep inside I knew the community would keep us afloat. The community is what keeps all of us going. They have blessed us to no end.”
Rasar said the loyal customers who have dine inside El Toro Taco for the past 45 years are a part of the fabric of the restaurant.
One man who walked through the doors frequently since the opening of El Toro Taco was Joseph “Mr. Joe” Harrison Craig.
“Papa Joe” passed away at the age 86 on April 11.
“On behalf of the staff here at El Toro Taco, we will miss our friend dearly,” Rasar said. “He’s family and will always be a part of El Toro Taco.”
Whether it is Ms. Pat or Ms. Bev, so many regulars will keep El Toro Taco thriving through good times and bad times.
“We have easy access for truckers, you can come in and order, fresh food daily,” Rasar concluded. “We’ve taken extra measures to make sure it’s safer. We appreciate the support of our local people. It’s our family serving theirs.”
