El Slato gives back in more ways than one

If you have ever visited one of the five regional El Salto Mexican Restaurants, then you have likely had the pleasure of interacting with Jose Mendoza, a lifelong service industry warrior, a man with a mission.

That mission is not only to bring good, heartfelt food to the region, but also to give back in the process. Mendoza has all but taken the reins, establishing his long-time commitment to the communities El Salto serves. His focus is not simply on food but also on fundraising. Mendoza has worked alongside his father, Rosando, in the pits and on the line, and now has a front-facing role with the company.

Mendoza and the many crew members at El Salto head into their busy season of event circuits. A past appearance includes The Taste of the Region, held in March. This event is a showcase for the region’s local businesses and restaurants to share their craft with the community.

Flexibility comes with the territory, as Mendoza has and still floats between every position in the restaurant, making him well-equipped for any situation. In his now predominantly front-of-house role, he works to master other skills – like advertising and event promotion.

Mendoza is seeking to streamline the El Salto namesake and strengthen communication channels between restaurants. In the months to come, expect to see a more comprehensive website, an events calendar, and simpler means of connection. As fundraising becomes a more centralized piece of the company, users should expect clear avenues to administer change through charity efforts in the community.

El Salto is planning several events for the summer, including monthly events with Board and Brush at their Valpo location. Most events will act as fundraisers for various causes, and El Salto is open to new fundraising requests.

Mendoza’s efforts to connect with the community and nearby businesses are apparent in his brewing professional relationship with Courtney Bower, owner and operator of Board and Brush, just a few doors down from El Salto’s Valparaiso location. Though events and fundraising were always part of Mendoza’s vision for the restaurant, it was Courtney’s steadfast desire to collaborate that brought their dreams to life month after month.

His reason for wanting to grow the business in this direction? Diversity in causes, communities, and the need for community in the NWI region.

“Each location tells a different story, and even though each place is only about 15-20 minutes apart, they are entirely different,” said Mendoza. “The distance brings in a different crowd, new people, and even gives our regulars a unique experience at each of our restaurants.”

A lively event brought in attendees, aiming to offer more clarity on previous collaboration events between Board and Brush and El Salto. Attendees could be seen snacking on delicious Mexican food, sipping margaritas, and working on a decorative signpost project. The best part of this partnership is that they are cause driven.

“Most of our events are fundraisers,” said Mendoza.

Mendoza and his team are there to help bring fundraising and event ideas to life. He urges those with questions to contact the restaurant; all ideas are valuable, and all causes are worthy. His passion for fundraising knows no bounds.

“For questions about fundraising, get ahold of myself, my father, Rosando, or my uncle, Robert,” said Mendoza. “We’ll take a look at it. If it’s something we’re interested in or makes sense for us, we’ll go ahead and reach out.”

Other events are on the horizon, and Mendoza is particularly excited about El Slato’s attendance at the World Cultural Festival, an upcoming event that will take place in downtown Valpo on August 24. Locals will gather together to share in the cultural and community-building experience of breaking bread and sharing a meal that speaks to the diverse communities woven into the fabric of our region.

The World Cultural Festival is organized annually by the Valparaiso International Center (VIC). This family-friendly event will offer live performances by cultural groups from Northwest Indiana, international cuisine from local ethnic restaurants, children’s activities, and informational booths from community organizations. The festival aims to foster cultural exchange, promote diversity, and strengthen community bonds by providing an inclusive space for people to learn about and appreciate different cultures.

“The organization invites one vendor from each culture, so we got picked for Mexican, Latin culture. There’s a bunch of different vendors from different types of ethnic food that come out; they do a little festival at the amphitheater,” said Mendoza.

The importance of simplicity in menu building for food events: authentic flavors, well done, and well-loved. Steak tacos for the kiddos, and the usual suspects, guacamole, and salsa are all to be expected, though Mendoza has previously played with the idea of specialty sauces for the event specifically. Light fasting prior to the event is encouraged to fully appreciate all that the restaurant has to offer.

Mendoza spends more time behind the scenes at the restaurant, but he still occasionally dons his chef hat, working three to four kitchen shifts. He keeps his connection to the food while remaining sharp for events. The mark of a true restaurant owner is his willingness to step in at a moment’s notice.

“I still cook, probably three or four days a week,” said Mendoza. “Whether that’s just covering shifts, vacation time – if we’re just short-handed or really busy, I step in to help. I’m a very hands-on person.”

His defining mentality as an owner is clear.

“One thing taught to me is that if you yourself can’t do the job, you can’t expect someone else to do it too.”

That dedication and perspective show up with him on the job and in the food that has carried the region for the last 20 years.

Other places to find Mendoza and El Salto this summer are at the St. John Beer Fest, or stop in at the Valpo location and join in the fun at “Brush Away Abuse,” a night of purpose and creativity, at El Salto in Valparaiso, June 25, from 6-9.

Tickets include all-you-can-eat taco bar, appetizers, DIY project kit, and, for those who can partake, a cash bar for all your margarita needs.

Following is “Brush Away Stigma,” taking place July 23 to raise funds for the StRiders organization, whose purpose is to combat the risks of suicide and overdose.

The cause-driven purpose working with El Salto, Jose Mendoza, and the big-hearted community that circles these events is something I aspire to create. In a world of shaky foundations and more individuality than ever, leaning into your close-knit communities, supporting local causes, and strengthening communities from within have never been more important.

“My dad and uncle, Robert Mendoza, have always supported the community, and I’ve always wanted to make sure to continue that as I’ve grown within the restaurant,” said Mendoza.

Giving back to the communities that we’re in is huge for us. It’s a way show our appreciation. They’ve supported us for over 20 years now, and it’s always good to be able to support the communities that we’re in.”

Your home Cantina awaits at any one of the five regional El Slato locations. Mendoza and his team of eager industry warriors are happy to help, organize, or bring your fundraising dreams to life.

For more information on El Salto locations, hours of operation, or any fundraising questions, send them to info@elsaltorestaurant.com or call any of the restaurants and ask for Jose Mendoza, his father Rosando, or his uncle, Robert, the men behind the 20-year-long regional residencies.

Check out their website at elsaltorestaurant.com.