Casa de Fritos was a Mexican restaurant in Disneyland’s Frontierland, operating from August 11, 1955, to October 1, 1982. Sponsored by The Frito Company (later Frito-Lay), it was located initially near the Rivers of America and moved to a larger site near the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland in 1957. Famous for introducing Doritos in the early 1960s, it served Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos and Frito chili pie. The restaurant became Casa Mexicana in 1982 and later Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in 2001, with a new menu and Ortega sponsorship.
Below are 10 fun facts about Casa de Fritos (1955–1982) at Disneyland:
- Frito Kid Vending Machine: A life-size Frito Kid statue doubled as a vending machine, dispensing Fritos bags for a nickel when guests inserted a coin, with the Kid “calling” to Klondike the Miner to send chips down a chute.
- Doritos’ Birthplace: In the early 1960s, an Alex Foods salesman suggested frying leftover tortillas into seasoned chips, creating the first Doritos, initially served free with meals before Frito-Lay marketed them in 1964.
- Buffeteria-Style Service: The restaurant used an efficient cafeteria-style setup, allowing guests to choose from indoor dining or an outdoor patio with colorful Mexican decor and Rivers of America views.
- Ta-Cup Innovation: The menu featured a unique “Ta-Cup,” a tostada-like dish with ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and sauce in a fried corn dough cup, an early precursor to the modern taco salad.
- Fritos in Every Meal: Sponsored by Frito, every dish incorporated Fritos corn chips, from chili pies topped with chips to complimentary bags served with tamales and enchiladas.
- Relocation for Growth: Opening near Aunt Jemima’s Pancake House, it moved in June 1957 to a larger adobe-style building next to the Frontierland Shooting Gallery to accommodate growing crowds.
- Maxwell House Coffee: From 1955 to 1957, Casa de Fritos served Maxwell House coffee, one of 16 Disneyland eateries featuring the brand, showcasing early park-wide corporate synergy.
- Mexican Food Introduction: In the 1950s, it introduced many American guests to Mexican cuisine, with cast members often explaining dishes like tacos and enchiladas to unfamiliar diners.
- Frito Chili Pie Staple: A signature dish was the Frito chili pie, a bag of Fritos sliced open and topped with chili, cheese, and onions, offering a portable, park-friendly meal.
- Transition to Casa Mexicana: In 1982, Disney ended its Frito-Lay partnership, rebranding the restaurant as Casa Mexicana with Lawry’s Foods sponsorship, shifting to a broader Mexican menu without Fritos.
