Today, Macayo’s restaurant group, known for its delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine—especially its fresh and homemade guacamole. However, despite Macyo’s strong presence across Arizona and beyond today, Macayo’s had very humble beginnings. Read on to explore how Macayo’s began and how it has evolved over the years into the hometown favorite that it is today.

The Early Years

In 1946, Woody and Victoria Johnson first made their dreams come true when they opened the doors of their first restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona. Their main priority was keeping their guests happy and coming back to experience excellent service and hospitality along with delicious foods prepared with only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Legend has it, Woody Johnson was the first person to invent the chimichanga, a dish that is very popular today. Specifically, it is believed that Woody created the first chimichanga while playing around in the kitchen sometime in 1946.

Macayo’s Today

Today, what started off as a small restaurant owned by Woody and Victoria Johnson has evolved into 12 locations across Arizona. Still today, Macayo’s is family owned and operated. In fact, Woody and Victoria Johnson’s daughter, Sharisse, along with their two sons, Gary and Stephen, still run the company today, carrying on their father’s legacy and dreams. Further engrained into the company’s values is a love for true Mexican cuisine, a focus on giving back to the community, and a priority of making every customer in every Macayo’s restaurant feel welcome and appreciated each time they dine there.

Longstanding Tradition

Whether it’s the annual Macayo’s Salsa Challenge or any of the other longstanding Mexican traditions carried out Macayo’s, one thing is for sure: this restaurant group is about so much more than just the food. It’s about helping generation after generation understand the value of hospitality, fresh food, and celebrating the rich Mexican culture. This is evident in each one of the Macayo’s restaurants, even as the restaurant themselves evolve and change (such as their Scottsdale location, which is currently preparing for its grand re-opening).

Macayo’s is also proud to have recently released a new menu in celebration of 70 years of serving the community; in this menu, you’ll find a mix of some of their traditional family favorites, along with some new twists. From fresh new margarita recipes to their world famous authentic guacamole recipe, there’s truly something for everybody on this menu, whether you have a taste for something spicy, sweet, or just about anything in between.

As you can see, Macayo’s really does have a rich history and firm roots planted in the Phoenix area. As such, the Macayo’s family loves being able to give back to the community that has supported them and helped them thrive all these years. If you’re in the mood for some delicious Mexican food and unrivaled hospitality, feel free to stop by any of their 15 locations. Oh, and don’t forget to give their authentic guacamole recipe a try for yourself!

 

Every woman deserves to be able to spend some quality time with her friends every once in awhile. No matter how busy your schedule gets, surely you can find some time to catch up with your girlfriends over a few cocktails. Here at Macayo’s, we’re proud to be a great location for hosting your next ladies’ night out. With the best Mexican drinks and some delicious food to accompany it, we invite you to stop by with the girls the next time you all get a chance to get together! Specifically, we’ve got a few drinks that are sure to suit the members of your group.

Grand Margarita

Sometimes, you just need a margarita at the end of a long, hard day. Our Grand Margarita is perfect for sipping as you catch up with your best friends. Refreshing and light, Macayo’s Grand Margarita combines the flavors of Patron Silver Tequila and Grand Marnier. This is the perfect drink if you and your girlfriends are looking for a classic drink with a kick.

Arizona Sunset Margarita

Of course, if you’re looking for something a little fruitier, we can also recommend our Arizona Sunset Margarita, which is a favorite off our new menu and a go-to beverage for many of our female patrons. This delicious margarita is made with Sauza Blue Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, peach, and cranberry juice for a unique flavor that blows a traditional margarita out of the water. Our guests love the beautiful reddish-pink color of this beverage and its yummy orange peel garnish.

Desert Limeade

When you and your group are looking for Mexican alcoholic drinks that are truly refreshing—especially on a hot summer day—you really can’t go wrong with the Desert Limeade Margarita. You won’t find another beverage like this in the area. Made with Espolon Reposado Tequila, fresh jalepeño, fresh cucumber, freshly squeeze lime juice, and desert pair, this is a drink you truly need to try for yourself to appreciate!

Red Sangria

If you and your girlfriends are more along the lines of wine drinkers, then you’ll love our Red Sangria with a kick! It’s made with your traditional red wine and freshly squeezed fruit, but to make things a little more interesting (as we always do here at Macayo’s), we also add a little bit of tequila. This sangria is great when shared with friends, so come give it a try on your next ladies’ night out!

Macayo Mule

Finally, we also have the popular Macayo Mule, which is our take on the traditional Moscow Mule. This yummy beverage is made with Casamingos Blanco Tequila, Patron Citronge Lime, refreshing ginger beer, and a sprig of fresh mint. And it’s all served up in a copper mug to bring out all the flavors, just like a Moscow Mule. Yum!

The next time you and your girlfriends are looking for somewhere to go and celebrate your ladies’ night out, be sure to keep Macayo’s in mind. Aside from excellent and authentic Mexican food, we’ve also got plenty of fun cocktails for you to try!

Every year, the country of Mexico (and those of Mexican descent living in other countries) celebrate Mexican’s date of independence, which occurred on September 16, 1810. Contrary to popular belief, May 5th (“Cinco de Mayo”) was not the day that Mexican won its independence from Spain, although this was the date of an important battle several decades later. Now is a good time to brush up on the history of Mexican independence and reflect on what it means for the culture today.

A Rocky Past

For more than 300 years, Spain ruled with an iron fist over Mexico. Over time, tensions grew, as many people living in Mexico felt as though they were being oppressed and that they didn’t have enough rights. Around the time of the French and American revolutions, those living in the middle class of Mexico got inspired by other countries’ fights for independence, and the unrest become increasingly difficult to ignore. Specifically, many living in Mexico wanted to break free from Spanish rule, establish their own government, and avoid feeling as though their lives were being dictated by the Catholic church and unfair rulers. And so began the fight for independence.

Fighting for Freedom

Most would agree that the fight for freedom officially began in 1808, when Mexico set up its first government (while still feigning loyalty to Spain). However, it wasn’t until around 1809 and 1810 when the actual battles began to erupt. So, what is the significance of September 16? Well, it was on this date that a Catholic priest actually led his people in rebellion against Spain in the city of Dolores, proclaiming cries of “¡Viva México!” for all to hear. This same group of rebels ended up marching all the way to Mexico City after ordering for the arrest of the entire town’s Spanish population.

And even though this day did not mark the official date of independence from Spain (that didn’t come until much later, after many more years of fighting and violence), Mexican Independence Day is rightfully celebrated on this date due to its undeniable significance in the fight for freedom.

Celebrating Independence

In Mexico, September 16 is a day of celebration. Every year on this date, Mexico City comes alive with parties, festivals, decorations, and the enjoyment of lots of traditional Mexican food. Of course, you don’t have to visit Mexico City (or even Mexico) to celebrate this monumental day in the country’s history. You can easily throw your own celebration, whether it be at home or at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

Specifically, consider whipping up some traditional Mexican food, drinks, and desserts. Decorate with the colors of the Mexican flag (red, white, and green), and spend some time with family and friends as you remember the brave people who fought for independence and stood up for their beliefs. What better way to celebrate independence than to honor the rich culture and history of these people?

Now that you’ve enjoyed a nice little refresher course on the history of Mexico and its independence from Spain, all that’s left to do is figure out how you’re going to celebrate the big day this year. Consider stopping by Macayo’s for some delicious Mexican food and all your favorite drinks!

 

Here at Macayo’s, we’ve been proudly serving up our tried-and-true family recipes for 70 years, but we recently decided to add a few new dishes to our menu to spice things up a little. Specifically, there are five new menu items that we can’t wait to tell you about! Made with only the freshest of ingredients, these are some of the best Mexican recipes we’ve ever come up with. Of course, we don’t want you to just take our word for it; we invite you to stop by and give any (or all!) of these new menu items a try for yourself.

Shrimp and Chorizo Taquitos

Most people wouldn’t thnk to combine the spicy flavor of Mexican chorizo with the more subtle flavor and crunch of fresh shrimp, but we did! If you love taquitos, you’ll love this new twist on a traditional recipe. The crispiness of the taquito goes amazingly with the flavors of chorizo and shrimp, along with other fresh ingredients.

Tinga Chicken Tacos

Never heard of tinga chicken? It’s a very popular dish that originated in Mexico but has made is way across the border in a big way. Essentially, tinga chicken refers to cooked, shredded chicken in a tomato and chili chipotle sauce. For this dish, we whip up a batch of delicious, smoky, and spicy tinga chicken. But we don’t stop there; we finish it off in a tortilla and serve it up to you in taco form for a taste that’s out of this world.

Pollo Blanco Burro

Our Mexican pollo blanco burro is stuffed with cooked, shredded chicken, black beans, rice, baja sauce, and jack cheese. We pile all that onto a 13-inch tortilla, roll it up burrito style, and get it all nice, cooked, and crispy in the oven before cutting in half at a 45-degree angle and serving it up with a side of cabbage pico and tomatillo salsa. The combination of flavors in this dish is absolutely incredible and words don’t do it justice; you really need to try it for yourself!

Green Chile Pork Stew

Looking to try something a little heartier? If so, then the delicious flavors of pork and green chile will appeal to you in this dish, which incorporates the best cuts of pork butt, some amazing braising spices, tomatillo salsa, and fresh-grown poblano peppers for a spicy, smoky flavor. The next time you’re looking for a Mexican dinner recipe that’s simple yet incredibly flavorful, be sure to keep our new green chile pork stew in mind.

Mint Chocolate Chimis

Save some room for dessert with these chimi recipe that incorporates the flavors of mint and chocolate for a delicious combination. If you love mint-chocolate chip ice cream, trust us, you’re going to love this dish. We’ll prove to you that chimichangas aren’t just meant to be a main dish.

These are just a few of our new menu items that we’d love for you to come out and try. Stop by any Macayo’s location today to order one for yourself!

 

The history of Macayo’s dates back all the way to 1946, when Woody and Victoria Johnson decided to open their first restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona. They knew they wanted to strive to provide their patrons with quality, fresh ingredients served up in a friendly environment. Fast forward 70 years later and that small dream started by Woody and Victoria has grown into the famous Macayo’s restaurant chain, with fifteen locations in operation across Arizona and Nevada.

70 Years of Handcrafted Food

Ever since the opening of the first location in Phoenix, fresh ingredients and signature recipes have been a priority; today, that remains true as Macayo’s proudly celebrates 70 years of family recipes and Mexican traditions passed on from one generation to the next. You can taste the legacy of Woody and Victoria in every ingredient within every dish served up at Macayo’s.

Still Family Owned and Operated

Macayo’s is also proud that after 70 years, they remain family-owned and operated. Specifically, today’s Macayo’s restaurants are owned by Woody and Victoria Johnson’s daughter, Sharisse, along with their two sons, Gary and Stephen. With a focus on giving back to the community and carrying on traditions year in and year out (such as the popular Macayo’s Salsa Challenge), this restaurant remains at the hearts of many across Arizona and in the Las Vegas area. Perhaps that’s because each member of this family-owned and operated business goes out of their way to ensure that each guest feels like they’re a member of the family themselves when they dine at Macayo’s. Hospitality and great food: that’s what they’re all about—and it certainly shows.

The Creation of the Chimichanga

Arguably, Macayo’s also holds the honor of creating the very first chimichanga—although other area restaurants claim the same invention. Either way, it is believed that Woody Johnson himself first invented the chimichanga when playing around in the kitchen back in 1946. Today, there’s no doubt that the chimichanga has become an extremely popular Mexican food dish, despite the fact that the dish itself is not authentically Mexican.

Still, that hasn’t stopped many Arizona residents from creating a petition to make the chimichanga the state food of Arizona.

Come Enjoy Our New Menu

Macayo’s has recently debuted a new menu as part of their 70th anniversary celebration; this menu contains a wonderful mix of some of their traditional family favorites, along with some new twists. All are welcome to stop by any of the 15 Macayo’s locations to try out some of the new menu items themselves (or stick with their favorite traditional staples) along with helping the Johnson family celebrate their 70ths year of operation.

When it comes to fresh, quality Mexican ingredients, Macayo’s is the place to be. Whether you’re in the mood for a light lunch, a filling dinner, a delicious margarita, or anything in between—there’s truly something for everybody at Macayo’s. And each time you step into one of their restaurants, you can rest assured you’ll be treated with the kindness and hospitality that you’d expect from your own family.

 

Tequila is a main ingredient in many traditional Mexican drinks, such as the popular margarita. And while there’s no denying this primary use of tequila, you might be surprised to read about some of the alternative uses that have been found and proven for tequila. From medical uses to use as an energy source, there’s more to tequila than meets the eye (or taste buds)!

1. As a Cold Remedy

The next time you feel a cold coming on, you might also see it as an excuse to enjoy some tequila. Sounds crazy, we know, but back in the day, doctors actually recommend patients with colds to drink a half ounce of agave tequila mixed with equal parts agave nectar and lime juice. If nothing else, this concoction will at least make having a cold more enjoyable.

2. For Weight Loss

It’s really no secret in the field of science that the agave plant has long been considered as an excellent source for helping to dissolve body fats and even lower cholesterol. Unfortunately, the weight loss benefits of tequila are slightly lost when the agave is made into alcohol or combined into a mixed drink.

3. As an Energy Source

Agave hasn’t just been found to be a possible source of weight loss, but a potential alternative energy source as well! In fact, studies have been conducted over the past few years that have found agave mau function as a sustainable biofuel source. Can you imagine pulling up to the pump and fueling your vehicle with a similar liquid you’d enjoy in some of your favorite cocktails?

4. For Diabetes Prevention

In addition to a possible fuel source and weight loss supplement, studies have also found that the agave plant can help to stimulate certain hormones in the body that are known to increase insulin production in the body. In this sense, tequila could actually help to prevent and reduce the likelihood of a person developing diabetes in life.

5. For Helping You Sleep

The next time you’re having trouble sleeping, consider treating yourself to one (just one!) shot of your favorite tequila. Not only can a small amount of tequila before bed help you fall asleep, but it can also help you stay asleep longer, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and well rested. Of course, too much tequila can have negative effects on your liver, so we only recommend using this sleeping aid every so often.

And finally, there is of course the use that we all know and love tequila for: its use in many traditional Mexican drinks. And speaking of Mexican drinks, we’re proud to announce that we’ve recently unveiled a new drink menu here at Macayo’s, and we’d love to have you here to try it out for yourself! You can even grab a tequila-drink of your own, such as our fun Prickly Pear Margarita or our unique twist on the Moscow Mule…the Macayo Mule!