Authentic Mexican Grill is Local Hot Spot

By Grace Clark for Murrieta Patch:

With a history dating back to 1997 to the purchase of one taco shop in Menifee, Carnitas Express has expanded to four locations, two of them in Murrieta.

Owners Doro and Eva Duran operate the restaurants, along with their partner Armando Benitez. A fourth location in downtown Brea keeps the family busy, but the customers well fed.

For Eva, it's a dream come true. Always wanting to run her own restaurant, she quickly expanded the little taco shop into a thriving business with a popular local following. The couple has been in the restaurant business for 30 years, and even met at a restaurant. Doro stresses that their family life and three children remain the top priority in their life.

According to Doro, they run a very hands-on operation, believing very strongly in family values and creating a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Eva continues to run and work alongside employees at the original Carnitas in Menifee.

The communities they do business in are just as important to them.

“We sponsor many school sports teams and various activities, supporting the community, as it has supported us,” Doro said.

Of the two Murrieta restaurants, one of which is , the newest and largest was bustling on a recent visit from Patch. Patrons are greeted by friendly employees and colorful cultural décor. The experience continues with a menu filled with authentic Mexican food, burgers and other favorites.

It also attracts locals and those in surrounding areas with outstanding breakfasts, offering fluffy pancakes and French toast specials, as well as specialty omelets.

Then there are the popular Taco Tuesdays. For 99 cents each, there is no limit and no other required purchases. In keeping with their focus on families, Wednesdays Kids Eat Free with an adult purchase. There are six big screen TVs, where parents can watch sports and other shows while dining out.

“Our customers know that if something is not quite right, we will make it right so they are happy,” Doro said.

“During these hard economic times when many businesses are failing, ours has grown. I believe this is because of our loyal employees and being able to depend upon them--many who have been with us for years--and our direct involvement and interest in our customers."

Local business owner and a regular at Carnitas Express on Madison, Mary Robinson said she eats there every day--if not for breakfast, then lunch or dinner or both.

“This is ‘my new kitchen,’" Robinson said.

Border Patrol officer Hector Vargas stops in several times a week to pick up breakfast on his way to the Murrieta station.

“I come here because the food is good and the staff is always friendly,” Vargas said.

Murrieta resident Rick Robins has been bringing his family to the Madison Avenue location several times a week since it opened its doors.

While Robins said he loves the Mexican food, his favorite are the pancakes.

“I don’t know what they do to their pancakes but they are really special,” Robins said.

Carnitas Express is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. The two popular local Mexican restaurants are located at 25030 Hancock, Suite 102 and 25145 Madison Ave, Suite 101 in Murrieta.