Chiquito (restaurant)


Chiquito was a restaurant chain based in the United Kingdom specialising in Tex-Mex foods.

History

The company was established in 1989, and has sixty eight restaurants across the country. It dubs itself as 'The Original Mexican Grill & Bar', and has been described as the United Kingdom's best known Mexican chain. Chiquito restaurants are part of the Restaurant Group.
Following the coronavirus pandemic, it was announced that restaurants of Chiquito would not be reopening after social distancing restrictions are lifted. In an announcement to the stock exchange on March 18, owners The Restaurant Group announced their intention to place Chiquito into administration.

Decor and style

The restaurants, which tend to feature a large bar and lounge style restaurant have rustic interior décor, based on traditional Mexican architecture and culture, where old Mexican posters and photos adorn the walls, alongside piñatas plates, castanets, fans, and sombreros. Spanish and Mexican music plays throughout the restaurant.

Notable past employees

, actor and writer, worked at the Staples Corner branch where he first met Simon Pegg.

Environmental record

In November 2015, the chain was one of seven restaurants surveyed that failed to meet a basic level of sustainability in its seafood.