Chico's Tacos co-founder Emma Mora has died

One of the co-founders of El Paso’s iconic Chico’s Tacos has died.

Emma Mora, co-founder of the locally owned and operated restaurant chain, died Sunday morning, family members confirmed Monday. She was 90.

Chico’s is famous for its rolled and fried tacos that are served in paper boats inundated with a soupy tomato salsa and topped with cheese.

The restaurant was founded on July 4, 1953 by Emma Mora and Joe Mora on Alameda Avenue in South Central El Paso.

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The chain now has four locations citywide, including at Dyer Street in Central, and Montwood Drive and George Dieter Drive in East El Paso. It closed its Montana Avenue location in Central El Paso in 2016, and a location on McRae Boulevard in 2008.

The restaurant's staple cuisine has been featured in magazines and TV shows, including Texas Monthly and on the popular television show "Taco Trip" on the Cooking Channel with El Paso native chef Aaron Sanchez.

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The eatery was also featured as one of 10 Best Places to Get Your Taco Fix on Cinco de Mayo by USA Today in 2016, and was ranked No. 9 on The Daily Meal's "35 Best Tacos in America" list in 2013.

Emma Mora celebrated her 90th birthday in December.

Elida S. Perez may be reached at 546-6137; eperez@elpasotimes.com; @ElidaSPerezEPT on Twitter.