WOMAN FOUNDED,
WOMAN OWNED
El Gordo Peruvian Eatery invites you to savor the authentic taste of Peru with every bite. Founded in 1996 by a passionate single mother driven by a dream to share her treasured family recipes and build a lasting legacy for her daughters, El Gordo has grown from a humble local Peruvian restaurant in Passaic, NJ into a thriving chain of Peruvian eateries across northern New Jersey. Renowned for our flavorful Peruvian rotisserie chicken, irresistibly creamy signature Peruvian green sauce, and traditional dishes made with love, we continue to honor >our roots while bringing the vibrant flavors of Peru to your table. For almost 30 years, generations have chosen El Gordo as their favorite spot for cozy family-style dining, convenient and flavorful take-out and delivery, and exceptional catering services. “Taste the story, feel the love—welcome to our table.”

WOMAN FOUNDED,
WOMAN OWNED
El Gordo Peruvian Eatery invites you to savor the authentic taste of Peru with every bite. Founded in 1996 by a passionate single mother driven by a dream to share her treasured family recipes and build a lasting legacy for her daughters, El Gordo has grown from a humble local Peruvian restaurant in Passaic, NJ into a thriving chain of Peruvian eateries across northern New Jersey. Renowned for our flavorful Peruvian rotisserie chicken, irresistibly creamy signature Peruvian green sauce, and traditional dishes made with love, we continue to honor >our roots while bringing the vibrant flavors of Peru to your table. For almost 30 years, generations have chosen El Gordo as their favorite spot for cozy family-style dining, convenient and flavorful take-out and delivery, and exceptional catering services. “Taste the story, feel the love—welcome to our table.”
El Gordo proudly remains woman-owned and operated, led by the founder’s daughters, Lizeth and Madison, who honor the legacy their mother courageously built. Lizeth joined the family business in 2012, bringing over a decade of hospitality experience, a passion for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to preserving her mother’s treasured recipes and traditions. Her leadership has been key to El Gordo’s expansion into multiple thriving locations, each rooted in the values established from the start. The legacy grew richer with Madison, the youngest daughter, whose entry into the business marked an exciting new chapter as she debuted El Gordo’s fourth location in Montclair, bringing fresh energy and passion. Ana, the middle sister, contributes through her artistic talents, thoughtfully creating the iconic logos that capture the spirit of the brand. Together, they fulfill their mother’s American Dream—a dream born from bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. Their mother, a determined single woman who emigrated from Peru in the late 1980s, overcame countless challenges to create not just a restaurant but a meaningful legacy. Today, her dream thrives through Lizeth, Madison, and Ana as they expand El Gordo’s culinary roots, proudly launching their signature Peruvian Green Sauce into its own growing brand—El Gordo Sauces. Their ultimate goal: to build El Gordo into a national chain and see their sauce featured on retail shelves nationwide. By supporting El Gordo, you become part of this inspiring journey, ensuring their mother’s legacy continues for generations to come.
MEET OUR CHEFS
TRAINED WITH HEART AND THE BEST RECIPES
CHEF JOSE FLORES
Jose Flores, Executive Head Chef of El Gordo, started his journey as a dishwasher in 2004. Over the years, he worked his way up, learning directly from “Abuela,” the family matriarch, who passed down the cherished family recipes. His deep understanding of Peruvian flavors and commitment to authenticity make every dish a true reflection of home.
Jose Flores is the Executive Head Chef of El Gordo. He started working for El Gordo in 2004 as a humble dishwasher, and worked his way up through the years to an apprentice and then Head Chef. Trained by “Abuela,” the family matriarch, he was equipped with the secrets to the family recipes and instilled with the values that represent the El Gordo brand.
CHEF ROQUE RIVERA
Roque Rivera, Head Chef of El Gordo Passaic, has been a Peruvian chef since his early twenties. After migrating to the U.S. in the early ‘80s, he honed his craft in some of New Jersey’s top Peruvian restaurants before bringing his expertise to El Gordo. Known for his signature touch and attention to detail, Don Roque ensures that every dish is as flavorful as it is memorable.
Roque Rivera is Head Chef of El Gordo Passaic. “Don Roque” has been a Peruvian Chef since his early twenties, He migrated into the U.S in the early 80s and began his culinary career at some of the most popular Peruvian restaurants in New Jersey. Since joining the El Gordo family, Don Roque continues to add his signature flavor and attention to detail to each carefully crafted dish.
Meet the Family serving the best Pollo a la Brasa since 1996.
For nearly 30 years, El Gordo Peruvian Eatery has been a beloved Peruvian restaurant, proudly serving traditional Peruvian dishes to generations of families and loyal customers across New Jersey. At the heart of our family-owned eatery lies the beautiful legacy of our grandmother and mother, whose treasured recipes continue to inspire every meal we serve today. Each dish, from our famous crispy golden rotisserie chicken to our fresh ceviche and iconic signature green sauce, carries the warmth, strength, and love of our family’s heritage. With four vibrant locations in Passaic, Union, Jersey City, and our newest in Montclair, El Gordo remains committed to bringing communities together through authentic Peruvian flavors. From classic favorites like Lomo Saltado to Chaufa—a flavorful Peruvian fried rice inspired by the fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine—every bite at El Gordo offers a taste of Peru’s rich culinary traditions.
Planning an event? Let El Gordo’s exceptional Peruvian catering turn your celebration into an unforgettable experience. From corporate gatherings to intimate celebrations, our catering menu offers authentic dishes crafted with care, ensuring your event is filled with delicious memories.
No matter where you come from, when you walk into El Gordo, you’re family. Pull up a chair, savor our story, and welcome home.
Meet the Family serving the best Pollo a la Brasa since 1996.
For over 25 years, El Gordo Peruvian Eatery has served generations of families and hardworking locals, offering an inviting space where food lovers can experience the bold, authentic flavors of Peru. Our secret family recipes—passed down for decades—are infused into every dish, from our crispy, golden rotisserie chicken to our ceviche and iconic green sauce.
With four locations across New Jersey: Passaic, Union, Jersey City and Montclair (NEW) – we continue to bring people together over the warmth of home-cooked meals and shared traditions. Whether you’re craving a tray-style platter with generous portions of our lomo saltado, a steaming bowl of chaufa, or a sip of our refreshing chicha morada, every bite at El Gordo is a taste of our family’s history.
If you’re looking for the best Peruvian catering in New Jersey, El Gordo Peruvian Eatery is here to make your event unforgettable. Let us handle the food while you enjoy the moment – because every great gathering starts with great food.
No matter where you come from, when you walk into El Gordo, you’re home. Pull up a chair, dig in, and let’s eat!