Why Mission: El Toro Loco

Alex Hussein is a friend to small town residents in the Central Valley. He, his family, and a team of dedicated employees have been breaking ground up and down the state, bringing grocery stores to communities that have been overlooked.

 

 

 

El Toro Loco has 14 locations from Bakersfield west to Santa Maria, and north to Monterey and Sacramento. Their charge began 20 years ago and according to El Toro Loco Company President Alex Hussein, they love the Central Valley and invest in towns where there’s a need. “In the Central Valley we feel like we are at home. The people are friendly and there are a lot of opportunities here. There is an underserved demographic and where we see an opportunity that’s where we’ll pursue one.” 

 

Their Wasco location opened in October of 2025 and features a unique color and brand style that was designed with the area in mind. It’s a style they plan to embrace as they continue to grow and it’s as intentional as the variety of goods they offer to each specific location. “From community to community the products change,” says Hussein. “We offer what our clients ask for. We compare the products that are sold at our competitors, and we compare pricing, that’s how we determine where we need to be. "

 

  Alex is President of the El Toro Loco Company, his nephew Yousif is the CEO. The Hussein family has his tory in the grocery and retail business and owns pharmacies as well. They first began banking with Mission when the bank expanded to Shafter, California. “We have been with Mission Bank since the mid-2000’s that’s when we really started to grow the business,” says Hussein. “They are a strategic partner. They gave us the confidence and backing to allow us to expand, and it’s been a very good partnership. We continue to grow, and that partnership will support our growth in the future.”

 

Relationship Manger Daniel Albiar helped supply financing for the Wasco location and believes in what the Husseins are doing in California. “Mission Bank loves to fuel and grow vibrant and prosperous communities, that’s our core mission here. Yousif and Alex perfectly align with that,” says Albiar. “They go into underdeveloped communities and look to provide competitive products as well as items that aren’t being offered at major grocery store chains. Providing a valuable resource to Central Valley families is what El Toro Loco is doing on a daily basis.”