Delighting patrons for more than 80 years as a staple of the Los Angeles restaurant scene doesn’t mean the El Coyote Cafe can’t be innovative and try new things. That’s why owners Margie Christoffersen and Barbara Buser, along with managers Rose and Wayne Christoffersen, created the First Annual Firefighters’ Salsa Competition last November.
“We thought about our firefighters and what great cooks they are known to be,” says a public relations consultant for El Coyote Cafe. “We thought what could be better than a salsa competition with ‘hot & spicy’ firefighters.” 
Once the team decided on an event and a cause, the grand eatery reached out to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund for collaboration.
So the historic restaurant took a chance and pitched a tent outside their beloved Beverly Boulevard location and invited fire stations throughout the Mid-City L.A. area to serve up their very best salsa to adventurous diners and hungry celebrity judges.
The El Coyote Cafe is no stranger to accolades; it is a mainstay for Hollywood stars and devoted lovers of authentic Mexican cuisine. So, of course, the event drew buzz from local media including KTLA, KABC, KTTV and Eater LA. According to the restaurant’s representative, everyone at El Coyote Cafe respects firefighters and appreciates all they do for the community and the salsa competition is just one of the ways to show it.
Another way they’ll show their appreciation is by sponsoring a food booth at the Hope for Firefighters fundraising event, held the first Thursday each June. The booth will be run by El Coyote Café and nearby LAFD Fire Station No. 61. Together, they will serve up a delicious meal to hungry event-goers. And Station No. 61 is more than happy to welcome their partnership at this annual charity event benefiting Widows & Orphans. In past years, the station served up coffee drinks. “This year we’re going to do something a little more involving food and El Coyote Cafe for the fundraiser,” shares B-Shift Captain Sterling Johnson.
In addition to the annual salsa competition, the popular restaurant also will celebrate its 82nd anniversary with a special menu throughout the month of March. The El Coyote Cafe definitely has a lot to look forward to in years to come. Thankfully, the hot spot has welcomed the charity and LAFD’s finest to share in its love of good food and fun times. To check out the menu and special event details visit www.ElCoyoteCafe.com
By Candace Nicholson