Inspiring Conversations with Margie Christoffersen of El Coyote

Today we’d like to introduce you to Margie Christoffersen.

Hi Margie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been blessed to have a wonderful life. Beginning with terrific, loving parents who exemplified character and important values. My father loved the restaurant business, particularly the Mexican culture, its food, its people, and so on. My Dad was devoted to his sister Blanche March and her husband George, the creators of El Coyote in 1931. He was so proud of their accomplishment and they shared the restaurant philosophy of CARING.

I began my restaurant experience at 11 years old working beside my Dad where he managed his brother’s restaurant for 40 years. I loved wiping menus, helping make green corn tamales, and scraping dishes. I loved working in the kitchen where the atmosphere was filled with a happy spirit and hard working employees.

After graduating from the university, I married my husband (now of 62 years) and began a teaching career which I loved every day. Then four wonderful children came into our lives and that happily kept me busy. I subsequently went back to teaching and earned my Master’s degree.

The passing of our dear Blanche in 1991 brought deep grief to our family, and now the Coyote was given to my folks. They had adamantly and passionately held the same philosophy about the restaurant business. Now, my Dad asked for our help.

I continued to teach and would work at El Coyote at night. It became obvious that this amazing legacy should occupy the majority of my time, and now it does. My husband and I, now also my son, are so proud of this amazing and iconic place. We enjoy being there everyday. We especially enjoy being the official testers of the food for its quality and consistency. This is an everyday commitment.

Clearly our soon to be 95 years in March are a tribute to our loyal, energetic and enthusiastic collection of guests, often representing three generations. Our family owned business with its mission statement of “CARING” has been carried through by. everyone who is part of El Coyote and is felt by grateful guests.

There really is magic here with an atmosphere of joy and feeling at home. Our eclectic decor, many items artistic pieces, such as shell framed mirrors, mosaics, mirror pieces mounted on cork backgrounds were created by Blanche, the original owner and founder. Dining rooms are adorned with brightly colored, festive lights, flowers, chandeliers, bird cages and paintings, all pieces bringing interest and beauty to welcome guests as they enjoy a happy and positive time. Often old friends meet and new friends are made.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
You have to love the restaurant business to be successful. In a city like L.A., there are many dining options. Sometimes even when all the criteria necessary for a restaurants success, the many choices can easily lead to a new location.

The Covid crisis unfortunately destroyed thousands of restaurants in California. Everyday a new challenge was faced with different requirements, things constantly changing even requiring closures. Ultimately trying to meet city laws demanded our investing in new equipment and changing and rearranging dining areas. This often involved the use of parking areas, more outside dining and so on.

Costs of labor and food products have increased, while we have tried to recover from Covid losses.

With so many years in business, many of our vendors have changed their product, or do not exist, so maintaining our consistency of our product and its character can also be challenging.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about El Coyote?
El Coyote reached success with hard work, devotion, passion, love of the business, especially caring for people and providing for them a warm, welcoming environment while being served delicious cuisine, at fair prices. Notably too, it was 12 years before Blanche and George March made a penny. That’s about extreme effort where giving up was not an option. Giving generous portions and serving our famous margarita clearly answer our guests desires.

Our sauces are made fresh daily. They are unique and I might add addicting. As many customers have shared their experiences they testify that; having been away from El Coyote can create a craving for our enchilada sauce where nothing else will do. Having said that, our most ordered dish is a Combo #1 – crispy taco, cheese enchilada, rice and beans. Shredded beef crispy taco is a favorite but I also recommend trying our buffalo tacos. They are served crispy with lean ground buffalo and topped with shredded lettuce, cheddar and cotija cheeses. They’re unique and delicious.

TV and film productions are many here. Most recently seen in Quentin Tarantino’s 9th film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and we were so honored to have been the inspiration for the restaurant scene in the film, The Fall Guy. Celebrities continue to enter our doors and visitors eagerly search for a familiar face or perhaps see the photo of a favorite celebrity who entered days gone by or even a current favorite.

With almost 95 years (95 years in March 2026) of family operation brings devoted guests who have come here for generations. Our guests’ devotion and loyalty cannot be measured but only deeply and gratefully appreciated. Where else could one go to celebrate a special occasion where you find a happy, magical, and warm spirit? These qualities coupled with uniquely wonderful and satisfying food served to you by terrific employees. Many staff employees have been with us for over 20 years. Gratefully newer employees have felt the unique and special vibe that is El Coyote. Often old-timers and even newer devotees enjoy a friendly welcoming hug. An observant longtime guest noted that there has been the necessary and welcome breath of life filling El Coyote’s ambiance nourishing it towards continuing success.

El Coyote can be described as a microcosm of LA. Diversity is here. It is a fascinating place. El Coyote enjoys a long and colorful history with many stories and people contributing. Our family acknowledges the priceless gift that has been given to us as we continue to operate and please our guests.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Bring your friends and family in and continue to share your memories with us and tag/collaborate us in your socials! We harbor a place that brings comfort where memories of the past are cherished and El Coyote waits for you and the sharing of memories. Creating new memories with you is vital to our on going success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elcoyotecafe.com
• Instagram: @elcoyotecafe
• Facebook: @elcoyotecafe