El Chorro

Food and Beverage Services51-200 Employees

Paradise Valley’s historic El Chorro offers an authentic Arizona dining experience with stunning views of the Valley’s most prominent landmark, Camelback Mountain. El Chorro has been a Valley staple in destination dining since 1937. Generations of Valley residents and visitors alike frequent El Chorro to savor seasonal cuisine featuring the highest quality in sustainable, locally grown, all natural ingredients, including herbs and produce from the El Chorro garden. Behind the bar, El Chorro’s gifted team of mixologists complement the restaurant’s menu with seasonally inspired, handcrafted cocktails and an expansive wine selection.

EL CHORRO HISTORY

El Chorro was originally built as the Judson School for Girls, developed by John C. Lincoln in 1934 so his daughter Lillian could attend school. The school was purchased by Jan and Mark Gruber in 1937 and converted to a restaurant and lodge. Clark Gable, Milton Berle and other prominent figures visited the lodge in its early days. In the 1950s, the lodge became a favorite of Arizona families and local celebrities, including David Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Joe Miller started at the rustic, homey El Chorro in 1952 as a bartender and his future wife, Evie, was hired as a cocktail waitress in 1954. He and Evie purchased the lodge in 1973 and over the years, expanded the restaurant’s capacity from 70 to 200 seats. They also kept the restaurant open year-round instead of closing in the warmer months, which had been the tradition until 1990.

A noted Valley philanthropist and long-time Paradise Valley resident, Jacquie Dorrance, acquired El Chorro in 2009 and was joined by operating partners Kristy Moore and Tim Moore. The restaurant and property were revitalized to enhance the existing buildings and expand the indoor-outdoor dining spaces and private dining areas. In restoring the lodge’s rustic charm, 21st century ideals were embraced through the reuse of existing resources and sustainable practices.

Sign up for free to view info

Email Format Employee directory