Señor Frog's

In the beginning, Señor Frog's was located in the basement of a swanky hotel called El Dorado. Originally named “Los Terribles Pelirrojos de Paris y Cacahuates” (which translates to “The Terrible Redheads from Paris and Peanuts”), the restaurant was a rowdy spot frequented by many party-goers. However, the hotel owner eventually asked them to leave due to the loud crowds of drunk patrons.

The first Señor Frog's restaurant in Mazatlan (circa 1980)

In 1971, Señor Frog's moved to the Hotel Sands Arena, where they continued their communal dining concept but added a daily set menu and pitchers of beer. Once they obtained their full liquor license, they were required to serve a full menu, and changed to normal tables and a bar section. They also added turntables to play popular music over loudspeakers. At the time, this was a novel concept, as such lively ambiance was usually only found in bars and nightclubs, not restaurants. The staff was ahead of their time, frequently visiting the US to purchase the latest Disco and Rock records to play.

Initially, Señor Frog's was a local hotspot, but as the restaurant's popularity grew in the 1980s, it became known for its fun and festive atmosphere, with interactive servers who engaged with customers and encouraged them to participate in the lively atmosphere. Unlike other establishments of that time, there was no formality at Señor Frog's, and if something broke or a tray fell, it was seen as just part of the atmosphere, with customers often applauding and laughing.

As Chuy, Carlos, and the staff traveled and explored different culinary influences, the menu at Señor Frog's began to expand, taking inspiration from their experiences. Additionally, the restaurant benefited from the abundance of fresh seafood available in the region. One unexpected and definite winner on the menu were the BBQ Ribs, which delighted guests with their infusion of a distinctive Mexican-American flavor.The word quickly spread that Señor Frog's was not just a place to party but also a destination for exceptional dining experiences that appealed to a wide range of individuals.

Chuy Juarez, Javier Juarez and Carlos Anderson with friends and staff in Señor Frog's Mazatlan in 1984

In 1984, due to its growing popularity, Señor Frog's Mazatlan relocated to a larger space that used to be a former restaurant and a mansion, before that. The new space perfectly embodied the lively and festive atmosphere of the brand, with black and white framed photos, a fireplace, and stairs where people could mingle and dance. Many celebrities of the time visited whenever they were in town, making it an even more popular destination. At times, the lines to get in were so long that the staff had to take shifts and monitor the number of people allowed inside. They also kept an eye out for any famous guests, ensuring they were able to get in and enjoy the party.

The success of Señor Frog's led to Carlos Anderson and his associates replicating the concept in other popular Mexican beach destinations, such as Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas, under different names like Carlos n Charlie's, Carlos o’ Brians, and El Squid Roe. In the 1990s, Señor Frog's expanded to Tijuana and Monterrey, where it was operated by ex-Mazatlecos who gave the brand its signature hospitality.

In 1989, Señor Frog's opened in Cancun, which had become a highly popular vacation destination. This location featured a modernized version of the brand, catering to tourists with neon-colored lights, lively parties with loud music, dancing servers, English-speaking MCs, and even a slide that would shoot you down to the lagoon if you dared.

Today, Señor Frog's has become a well-established chain of restaurants and bars with locations throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States. Despite its modernization, the restaurant remains committed to creating a fun and festive atmosphere, which is at the heart of the brand.

Señor Frog's is owned by Grupo Anderson's, founded in 1963, who claims there are more than 50 restaurants makes it Mexico's largest restaurateur. In addition to Señor Frog's, Grupo Anderson's owns the Carlos'n Charlie's chain.[3]