Toronto restaurant famous for its pupusas is permanently closing

One of Toronto's best El Salvadorian restaurants that's brought delicious and affordable meals to its neighbourhood over the past few years is set to close its doors. 

El Pulgarcito in Scarborough has built a reputation in the community for its delectable El Salvadorian cuisine, including affordable pork tamales, pupusas, and tacos. 

Mauricio, owner of El Pulgarcito, told blogTO that future condo developments in the area is what ultimately led the business to decide to close is doors. 

"Unfortunately, we have to close on Feb. 28, it's the last day we'll be here," he explained. "The government is going to make some condos around here." 

The restaurant will now be closing on May 31 after receiving an extension from Metrolinx that allows it to continue to operate.

The cheese pull on a pupusa at El Pulgarcito.

Despite its future closure, the restaurant remains extremely busy, with regular customers piling in during the lunch rush. It's a sentiment to the restaurant's impact on the neighbourhood, and a bittersweet reminder of the legacy they leave behind. 

Mauricio also told blogTO that staffing shortages are causing even greater demand during busy hours of the day, and are also part of the reason why the restaurant is closing its doors. 

El Pulgarcito means "Little Thumb," which is a nickname for El Salvador since it's the smallest country in Central America. 

There's no word yet on whether the restaurant will be relocating to a new space, but for now, there's still a couple of months left to support the beloved business. 

The exterior of El Pulgarcito.

El Pulgarcito is located at 20 Nugget Avenue near McCowan Road and Sheppard Avenue East.