Photo Gallery: El Ranchito celebrates 50th anniversary

Maria Elena Avila, center, stands with her sister Margarita Avila, right, and her daughter Lisa Avila Brussard, left, as she addresses family and friends during a 50th anniversary celebration for Avila's El Ranchito restaurant. In 1966 Avila's parents opened the first branch in Huntington Park.

Maria Elena Avila, center, stands with her sister Margarita Avila, right, and her daughter Lisa Avila Brussard, left, as she addresses family and friends during a 50th anniversary celebration for Avila’s El Ranchito restaurant. In 1966 Avila’s parents opened the first branch in Huntington Park.

  (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

Avila family photos

Photos of Salvador Avila and his wife Margarita, left, and another of the couple with daughter Maria Elena Avila are placed at the entrance of Avila’s El Ranchito restaurant in Costa Mesa during the 50th-anniversary party for the company Thursday.

  (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)

Mariachi performers

Mariachi performers entertain guests at Avila’s El Ranchito restaurant in Costa Mesa.

  (Kevin Chang / Daily Pilot)