Xperience Opens First SOL Mexican Cocina

Xperience Restaurant Group Inc. opened its newest SOL Mexican Cocina location today in Irvine, marking the Cypress-based company’s first restaurant opening of 2022.  

Xperience acquired the SOL restaurant chain in 2019, along with its sister chain Solita, and plans to expand both brands across Orange County, according to officials. The opening is the first SOL location to open under Xperience’s ownership. 

After facing delays from its planned opening last fall, this is the second SOL restaurant in Orange County and replaces the former El Torito on 1910 Main St. at the Centerview office campus. The multimillion-dollar renovation was announced last May and CEO Randy Sharpe said it will be SOL’S largest location.  

The Baja-inspired restaurant holds 11,277 square feet of space, including a 2,861 square foot patio that can seat 100 guests. Three banquet rooms are also available for booking special events and private dining. 

“SOL Irvine is going to become part of the fabric of the local landscape. We see it as an extension of SOL Newport Beach which has become a thriving part of the neighborhood scene,” VP of marketing Giovanni Salvino-Prada said in a statement. 

Xperience Restaurant Group ranked No. 12 on the Business Journal’s most recent list of OC-based restaurant chains by systemwide sales, and also manages Acapulco and El Torito Grill.