Uncle Julio’s is a popular Mexican restaurant chain that first opened in 1986. However, before adopting the Uncle Julio’s name, the restaurant went by a different title. So what was Uncle Julio’s called before becoming the famous brand it is today?
The Beginning
The founders of Uncle Julio’s were Julio and Juanita Laurenzo. Julio had a passion for hospitality and cooking that stemmed from his upbringing in Mexico City. In 1975, Julio and Juanita opened their first restaurant called Zuni Grill in Illinois. It focused on mesquite-grilled cuisine and became popular with locals.
After finding success with Zuni Grill, Julio and Juanita decided to open a new restaurant concept. They wanted to create a vibrant, colorful Mexican restaurant that would transport guests to the markets and plazas of Mexico. This mission ultimately led to the first Uncle Julio’s opening in 1986.
Naming Uncle Julio’s
When Julio and Juanita were conceiving their new Mexican restaurant, they knew they wanted Julio’s name in the title. However, they experimented with various options before landing on Uncle Julio’s. Some of the previous names they considered included:
- Julio’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant
- Casa de Julio
- Julio’s Cantina
But ultimately, they decided on Uncle Julio’s because it evoked a sense of family, warmth, and Julio’s uncle-like hospitality. The “uncle” conveyed a welcoming, endearing vibe while still featuring Julio’s name upfront.
The First Uncle Julio’s
The very first Uncle Julio’s opened in 1986 in Illinois. This original location featured many of the brand’s hallmarks that guests still enjoy today:
- A festive, colorful atmosphere with tiled floors and bright decor
- A menu showcasing Julio’s specialties like fajitas and enchiladas
- Hospitable service making guests feel like part of the family
- Fresh, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine
This first restaurant established the look, ambiance, and hospitable vibe that Uncle Julio’s would become known for. It focused on celebrating Julio’s heritage through food, drinks, decor, and genuine service.
Early Menu Items & Specials
That first Uncle Julio’s menu featured many classic Mexican fare plus some of Julio’s signature dishes. Some popular items included:
- Chile con Queso – Melted Mexican cheese dip with pico de gallo
- Guacamole – Freshly made tableside
- Tacos – Soft or crispy with fish, chicken or steak
- Enchiladas – Cheese, beef, chicken or spinach
- Fajitas – Marinated, grilled meat with sautéed onions & peppers
- Chimichangas – Crispy, deep-fried burritos
Julio also offered some weekly dinner specials that became guest favorites, like:
- Sunday – $0.35 Mini Tacos
- Monday – $4.99 Fajita Steak (regular $9.99)
- Tuesday – $0.99 Taco Nights
- Wednesday – $18.99 Giant Beef Nachos for Two
These specials made Uncle Julio’s an affordable, appealing place for dinner multiple nights a week for the local community.
Rapid Growth & Expansion
Uncle Julio’s first location was extremely successful. Happy guests praised the festive ambiance, Julio’s scrumptious recipes, and the friendly service. This allowed Julio and Juanita to rapidly expand the concept across the region. Here is a look at Uncle Julio’s expansion:
| Year | Locations |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1995 | 12 |
| 2000 | 18 |
| 2005 | 32 |
| 2010 | 42 |
As shown, in just 10 years Uncle Julio’s grew from 1 to 12 locations. The authentic Mexican cuisine, fun atmosphere, and Julio’s hands-on approach struck a chord with guests. This allowed for rapid but strategic franchise growth across multiple states.
Evolving With the Times
Over the decades, Uncle Julio’s has evolved to stay current while retaining its original charm:
- In the 1990s, Uncle Julio’s introduced new menu categories like fajitas, Tex-Mex dishes, and combination platters to give guests more options.
- In the 2000s, Uncle Julio’s rolled out festive margaritas in new flavors like mango, skinny, and swirl to capitalize on cocktail trends.
- In the 2010s, Uncle Julio’s launched better-for-you options like quinoa bowls and freshly squeezed juices to meet health-conscious demands.
- Today, Uncle Julio’s offers new-age technology features like online ordering and rewards programs to provide more convenience.
By responding to shifting preferences over the years while staying true to its roots, Uncle Julio’s has maintained long-lasting popularity and growth.
The Future
Uncle Julio’s legacy continues to this day, with 62 locations across 10 states. It remains committed to celebrating Julio’s genuine hospitality and Mexican flavors. The restaurant will likely keep expanding strategically across the country to share its festive brand with more communities.
Uncle Julio’s also plans to keep enhancing the guest experience through things like technology, updated menus, and remodeled restaurants. This will allow it to stay relevant in a competitive industry. The owners and franchisees aim to retain Uncle Julio’s authentic culture amidst future growth.
So while the name may have changed since 1986, Uncle Julio’s foundation remains the same – excellent Mexican food, hospitable service, and Julio’s original recipes. The brand’s origins as the first Zuni Grill live on through the Uncle Julio’s restaurants enjoyed by guests today.
The History of Uncle Julio’s: A Recap
- Founded as Zuni Grill in 1975 by Julio & Juanita Laurenzo
- Rebranded to Uncle Julio’s in 1986
- First location opened in Illinois with Julio’s signature recipes
- Popular for its festive decor, fresh food, & genuine hospitality
- Rapidly expanded in the 1990s and 2000s across multiple states
- Evolved with the times by adding new menu items, cocktails, and technology
- Today there are 62 locations across 10 states and still growing
So while Uncle Julio’s original name has come and gone, its roots still remain in the restaurants’ distinctive atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Uncle Julio’s may have a new title now, but it still retains the same hospitable spirit that guests have cherished for over 35 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the first Uncle Julio’s open?
The first Uncle Julio’s opened in 1986 in Illinois.
Where was Uncle Julio’s original location?
The first Uncle Julio’s was located in Illinois.
What was Uncle Julio’s called before it changed its name?
Uncle Julio’s was previously called Zuni Grill before rebranding in 1986.
Who founded Uncle Julio’s?
Uncle Julio’s was founded by Julio and Juanita Laurenzo, who opened the first location in Illinois.
Why is the restaurant named Uncle Julio’s?
It’s named after founder Julio Laurenzo. The “Uncle” conveyed his warm, welcoming hospitality.
How many Uncle Julio’s locations are there today?
Today there are 62 Uncle Julio’s locations across 10 different states.
What kind of food does Uncle Julio’s serve?
Uncle Julio’s serves authentic Mexican cuisine including fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, nachos, and more.
Does Uncle Julio’s still have the same recipes from its first restaurant?
Yes, Uncle Julio’s still uses many of founder Julio’s original recipes developed for that first location.
Is Uncle Julio’s a chain or franchise?
Uncle Julio’s operates as a franchise business model, with all locations independently owned and operated by franchisees.
Are there any Uncle Julio’s locations outside the United States?
Currently all Uncle Julio’s restaurant locations are within the United States.
Uncle Julio’s has come a long way from its beginnings as Zuni Grill in the 1970s. While the name has changed, the foundation of festive Mexican cuisine and hospitable service remains. Uncle Julio’s story is one of successful rebranding but an unwavering commitment to quality and guests. With over 35 years in business and still expanding, Uncle Julio’s shows no signs of slowing down its legacy anytime soon.