Raymond G. Flores, Class of 1956

Entrepreneur, Industry Leader

Ray is a graduate of the Class of 1956 and has represented the Tucson High Badger spirit and commitment of excellence throughout his personal life and professional career. After graduating from high school, he went on to the military and worked for a time in California in the manufacturing business. He then returned to his hometown and married the love of his life, Carlotta Dunn Flores, Class of 1964. Together, they took over El Charro Café from Carlotta’s family, and worked tirelessly to rebuild that historic legacy. As a father of 3 children Raymond Jr, Marques and Candace, Ray served on the St. Ambrose school board and as the head of Randolph Little League. His Badger spirit was never more active as to when he was a part of the Tucson High Badger Foundation.

Ray worked tirelessly to declare Tucson the “Official Mexican Food Capitol of the World”. As the president of The Arizona Restaurant Association, he worked with government leadership to help with national infrastructure as well as local health department to increase food safety standards to improve our local and national restaurant industry. He became an active and vital member of The National Restaurant Association, the Arizona Tourism Board, as well as being a founding member of Tucson Mariachi Conference, the Guadalajara and Sister Cities Boards, Pima Community College Hospitality Board, and the Santa Cruz Historical Church Preservation
Committee.

Ray and the family have donated countless meals to our military, the Boys and Girls Club, University of Arizona athletes, schools like John B. Wright Elementary, and during the Covid 19 crisis to local area hospitals who were working tirelessly during the pandemic. All the while helping sustain and grow the now 100-year-old legacy, El Charro Café, and expand the brand portfolio to 9 restaurant concepts with over 500 employees in the community.

His dedication to his wife Carlotta Flores for over 60 years, his three children and 5 grandchildren, is truly a testament to his spirit. Ray Flores is the embodiment of his commitment to his community, country, family, and Tucson.