In February 2015, the culinary journey of Cinco de Mayo began at 837 Washington Ave in the South Bronx. What started as a single neighborhood restaurant has grown into a bustling culinary family, now operating a total of 7 locations across New York City. Built on a foundation of hard work, deep cultural roots, and an unwavering commitment to feeding the community, our story is a celebration of flavor, family, and the American dream. The inspiration for the restaurant belongs to Elias Ballinas, born in Puebla, Mexico, and Ivan Gonzalez, from Azogues, Ecuador. After spending more than 20 years working as employees in the restaurant industry, learning every detail of the business from the kitchen to the front of the house, they decided it was time to build something of their own. Together, they combined the vibrant traditions of Mexican cuisine with a shared work ethic to lay the first bricks of our brand. As the business grew, the team expanded into a tightly knit brotherhood. Progressive talent joined the mission: Marlon and Carlos Hernandez, Victor Mejia, Benjamin Lobato, and Jose Flores. The team became a true family affair when Ivan’s brothers—Rafael, Tony, and Marco Gonzalez—stepped in, completing the dedicated crew that manages and operates our NYC locations today. Today, we proudly serve a dual mission. In our dining rooms, we offer a vibrant regular menu filled with authentic, comforting dishes crafted from fresh ingredients. Behind the scenes, we are highly focused on our premium catering services. We have earned the trust of the city, securing a New York State Department of Education license as certified school vendors to bring nutritious, delicious meals to local students. Whether you are joining us for a casual dinner, booking an event, or trusting us to feed the next generation, we welcome you to our table.