Larry J. Cano, a World War II fighter pilot who in 1954 transformed a Polynesian Tiki bar/restaurant in Encino into the first El Torito restaurant, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Corona del Mar at the age of 90.

In a 2011 interview in the OC Weekly, Cano, who at the time was 86, was proud -- if a bit boastful even -- of the effect his restaurant business, which he sold in 1978 to New York-based W.R. Grace & Co, had on the American diet and culture.

According to Cano, El Torito – which is Spanish for little bull – was the first establishment to popularize the frozen Margarita, which he first made by modifying the daiquiri with tequila.

Cano said that El Torito spread the practice of tableside guacamole, sizzling fajita platters, flour tortillas that come with butter, the presence of a tortilla-making station and even the concept of Taco Tuesday.

The restaurateur's influence on the food industry goes beyond adding spice and tequila to the American cuisine. He made an effort with his restaurants to bring a special kind of attention to his customers.

In the OC Weekly interview, Cano, who was born in East Los Angeles in 1924, described how he and a friend were treated when then visited a restaurant in Mexico City during a Christmas vacation after the war.

“There was one restaurant where they told us the tables were full and we couldn’t get served,” said Cano. “We went back to our hotels and put on our uniforms. The service came quickly after that. That was great, but it got me thinking that all customers should get that treatment. And it got me thinking about running a restaurant.”

A full obituary can be seen in the Los Angeles Times.

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