Where Mexico Meets Japan: W. Vernor Hwy Welcomes Sushi Los Toritos

Have you ever imagined what sushi might look like if you combined it with the spice and flavors of Mexico? 

Then you’re in luck, the Vargas Family has expanded their business and created a home for sushi lovers right here in Southwest Detroit. It’s called Sushi Los Toritos. 

And it’s the first of its kind. Sushi was introduced to the neighborhood in mid-2021, when The Goblin sushi bar opened on Bagley. 

But the Vargas family is taking a unique and creative spin on sushi and making it accessible to the people right in Mexicantown. 

Jimena Vargas and her family originally began selling these huge and elaborately named sushi rolls–like the Karol G and the Gera Mx roll–out of her house. That’s where the traction began.

“It was only on Sundays. ’cause I had a Monday through Friday job and then on Sundays we were selling almost like a hundred rolls,” said Jimena Vargas. 

But after months of tremendous positive feedback from customers they committed and opened the doors at a place of their own. 

The business is a family affair. Jimena, her brother Rogelio, and his wife Stephanie all take on the roles of being the owner and leading the establishment, all with their own respective roles. 

But the family business doesn’t stop there; cousins, and sisters, plus the matriarch of the family–Bella Orozco–also work and engage in the fun of the business by operating inside. 

The Vargas family, with roots in Jalisco, were not new to the world of being business owners and the food industry. In fact, Rogelio learned how to make sushi from working at a local sushi spot in Mexico and taught the craft to his sister. From there, the rest is history. 

The name, ‘Torito’ which translates to ‘little bull’ comes from a nickname tradition in their hometown of Jalisco, where community members are more known and recognized through their nickname than real name.  Their late father, Efrain Rogelio Vargas Orozco, was known in the small town as El Toro and thus came the name in honor of his role in their family. 

Though before it was Los Toritos, it was a print shop. Meaning, no kitchen or really any restaurant equipment to begin with. But they were up for the challenge. 

“As soon as we paid the deposit, there was no stepping back… we started from scratch. It was all white in here,” said Stephanie Vargas

From there, it was all hands on deck. The making of Sushi El Torito and its fruition wouldn’t have been possible if weren’t for the immense demand for this cross-cultural type of sushi and the support of friends and family–especially the mothers Bella Orozco and Marzela Orozco who supported the trio every step of the way in opening the restaurant.

Inside El Torito you will be welcomed with neon light signs, vibrant reds, and Japanese inspired art amongst walls all done by local artists. 

From the ‘Juan Gabriel’ or ‘Karol G’ roll, you will be captivated by the craftsmanship of each individual roll. Each roll, named after significant and well known figures in the Latino community are made fresh, a la orden. 

Just like the names of their rolls, Los Toritos is unique in its own way. It’s the first of its kind to land a storefront here in Southwest Detroit. Something that the Vargas family believes was needed here in the city.

“It’s not authentic traditional sushi—it’s something way different. We try to combine both flavors in one.” Said Stephanie.

Each roll comes with the same base: shrimp, cream cheese, carrots, avocado, and cucumber. However, it is the outside that makes it so unique. From house melted cheese, to hot cheetos, cream cheese-bacon, and even platanos plus a multitude of homemade sauces including spicy mayo; you’re in for more than a treat with whichever roll you choose to get. 

The rolls themselves are almost twice the size of a traditional Japanese style sushi;  Packed with so much flavor in every bite, you only want to try more. You’re in for an experience like no other. 

Los Toritos celebrated their grand opening Sunday, April 19 and their customers and community followed them from house to storefront. 

“We cried… It was so many months of stress. Even the day before, we were like, ‘What if nobody shows up? What if it’s empty?’… it was good to see,” said Stephanie 

The restaurant was packed from wall to wall and received so much love and support on their first day. According to Jimena, Los Toritos was non-stop from 11am to 8pm, the establishment even had to close early because they sold out on their first day. 

Since their opening Los Toritos has been busy from morning to evening,  you can grab a roll Tuesday-Sunday 11am-9pm at 8340 W. Vernor Hwy. near Springwells.