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 determined 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 eateries across northern New Jersey.
The Beginning
In 1996, Monica Velis brought the flavors of her childhood in Peru to New Jersey. Having learned to cook at a young age from her own mother, she carried with her generations of family recipes and culinary traditions.
From these roots came some of El Gordo’s most beloved dishes like our flavorful rotisserie chicken, creamy signature green sauce, and authentic Peruvian classic.For 30 years, families across New Jersey have gathered around our tables to enjoy comforting meals and welcoming service.
A Family Legacy
Today, El Gordo proudly remains woman-owned and operated.
Led by Monica’s daughters, Lizeth and Madison, the restaurant continues the legacy their mother courageously built from the ground up. Together, they carry forward the same values of resilience, traditional recipes, and cultural pride that shaped El Gordo from the beginning.
Through every meal served and every location opened, we remain committed to honoring our Peruvian roots while sharing our culture with the communities we serve.
Lizeth's Leadership
Lizeth joined the family business in 2012, bringing with her over a decade of hospitality experience, a passion for innovation, and a deep respect for her mother’s treasured recipes and traditions.
Her entrepreneurial leadership has played a key role in El Gordo’s growth and expansion into multiple locations, each built upon the same family values and authentic flavors that started it all.
Through her vision, the brand has continued to grow while staying true to its heritage.
Madison's Innovation
The legacy has grown even richer with Madison, the youngest daughter, whose entry into the family business marked an exciting new chapter.
With the opening of El Gordo’s fourth location in Montclair, Madison brought fresh energy, creativity, and a new generation of leadership to the brand. Her passion for hospitality, gastronomy, and storytelling continues to help share El Gordo’s traditions with an even wider community.
Looking Forward
Nearly 30 years after Monica first opened El Gordo, her dream continues to flourish through Lizeth and Madison.
Together, they are expanding the restaurant’s reach while launching El Gordo’s signature Peruvian green sauce into its own growing brand: El Gordo Sauces.
Their vision is to grow El Gordo into a thriving chain of restaurants while bringing the bold flavors of Peru to retail shelves nationwide.
The journey continues: rooted in family, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of Peru.
MEET OUR CHEFS – HEART, SKILL & AUTHENTIC RECIPES
CHEF JOSE FLORES
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 to 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 is Head Chef of El Gordo Passaic. “Don Roque” has been a Peruvian Chef since his early twenties. He migrated to 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 every carefully crafted dish.
MEET THE FAMILY BEHIND POLLO A LA BRASA SINCE 1996
For 30 years, El Gordo Peruvian Eatery has proudly served generations of families and locals throughout Northern New Jersey. From the beginning, our mission has been simple: to create a welcoming space where food lovers can experience the authentic and vibrant flavors of Peru.
From our crispy golden rotisserie chickens to fresh ceviche and our iconic signature green sauce, each plate carries the tradition, care, and love that have defined our kitchen for decades.
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 of lomo saltado, a steaming bowl of chaufa, or a sip of refreshing chicha morada, every bite at El Gordo is a taste of our family’s history.
Why Visit Us?
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!
