Our Story

In 1969, Peter Bugarin had the idea to develop a Mexican restaurant that would feature the best Sonoran-style Mexican food by utilizing the very best ingredients. He wanted to create his own version of a then-little-known item which would be called, the Chimichanga. Then in 1970, Peter, a top notch chef, along with his mother, Hope, also a top notch chef, and his orchestra leader father, Pete, opened La Piñata restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona which quickly became known as, "The Home of the Chimichanga". This was the first restaurant to top the classic deep-fried burrito with sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, onions and cheese. Five decades later, this valley favorite is still known as the Home of the Chimichanga, and Peter, along wth the Bugarin family, still serves dynamic portions of award winning Sonoran-style Mexican food and mouthwatering margaritas in a colorful "Old mexico" atmosphere. So, welcome to an "Old school" original! An amazing dining experience awaits you at La Piñata.