Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

This fall marks a momentous occasion for valley favorite Chino Bandido, located at 310 W. Bell Rd. The legendary “Chinese-Mexican Takee Outee” restaurant celebrates its 35th anniversary with a weekend-long extravaganza from Saturday, Nov. 15 through Sunday, Nov. 16.

“We look forward to celebrating our anniversary with all our longtime customers who have supported us through the years,” says co-owner Eve Collins, who founded Chino Bandido with her husband Frank, who passed in 2013. She credits their longstanding success with many factors, including “Frank’s knack for constantly recognizing that we needed to adapt. He kicked out walls and remodeled, sometimes overnight. He made me move forward by streamlining production.”

Collins jokes that they also may have been “too stupid to quit”—to the benefit of loyal customers, some of whom come weekly, some who come in from out of state even though they have since moved, and some who began coming to the restaurant as children with their parents and who now are parents in their own right.

In celebration of the anniversary, “Chino Kids,” who have their photos on the Chino Kids Wall at the restaurant were invited to be part of the Chino Kids 35 Years Later Contest, which took place from Aug. 1 through Sep. 30.  Those whose pictures currently adorn the wall were invited to come in and take their “now” picture next to their “then” photo on the wall, then post the “then and now” photo on Facebook and Instagram (tagging @officialchinobandido) for a chance to win free Chino Bandido for a year.

In addition to the Chino Kids Wall, which Frank initiated upon the restaurant’s opening, the restaurant is known for many standout things that have led to its cult-like following, including the unique fusion of cultural cuisines featured in its menu items and the process of customers filling out their own menu tickets. During the anniversary weekend celebration, guests will be entered to win one of two special jade unicorn pendants (also a distinct part of the Chino Bandido culture) if they correctly fill out their own menu ticket. 

Also during the anniversary weekend, Chino favorites and most-requested menu items will be brought back for just this occasion, such as Black Bean Tostadas, Jade Red Wings and Jerk Wings. Guests can also enjoy a face painter and balloon animal artist on Saturday, as well as musical entertainment, tastings of menu items, door prizes and more throughout the weekend.

For more information about Chino Bandido’s 35th Anniversary Weekend or the restaurant in general, visit https://chinobandido.com/.