Local restauranter Mario Astorga is dishing out delicious eats in the city of Folsom once again. Mario’s Early Toast officially opened its doors Monday and when the grill and the waffle irons fired up shortly after 6 a.m., it marked a homecoming to the city where the local brunch chain first started back in 2008. 

“I’m grateful to this city and I’m grateful that I’ve been given an opportunity to come back here,” said Astorga, who transformed what was once a Mexican restaurant in Folsom into the Early Toast’s trademark black and white theme. 

Mario’s Early Toast is known for its unique brunch themed fare, from Mexican breakfasts to eggs benedicts, French toasts and those unique Maui waffles they are known for. The menu has long been themed after Astorga’s Hawaiian and Mexican heritage and at every location, his love for his community and customers is always apparent.

The new location is at 6693 Folsom Auburn Road in the Hillswood Plaza center, a 4,000 square foot spot that has was previously occupied for several years by Limon E Sal Taqueria & Bar. The former restaurant had been owned and operated by a relative of Astorga’s that was struggling financially and wanted to focus more on the food truck side of the industry. It was then Astorga knew it was time to return to the city where it all started after a six-year hiatus.

Astorga first opened Early Toast in Folsom’s Parkway center back in 2008. The restaurant continued to operate until 2017 when he closed the Folsom location and focused on several locations in Placer County, including Granite Bay, Rocklin and Roseville.

“We are very blessed that we can go back to Folsom where it all started and bring Early Toast back.”

Early Toast restaurants are open seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. They are all known for serving everything on their menu, all day. 

“We believe you should have your favorites any time of day, so we serve our entire menu all the time,” is Astoria’s motto. “If you want pancakes for lunch, we got it. How about a sandwich for breakfast? No problem. We are here to serve you, and we promise great food and hospitality.”

In addition to plenty of indoor dining space, the new Folsom location of Mario’s Early Toast has a private room that can be reserved that holds up to 45 people for a special event. They also have a patio with plenty of umbrella shades that is dog friendly to enjoy outdoor dining.

You can visit the restaurant’s menu and learn more at www.mariosearlytoast.com.