Mexican restaurant in California shuts down after 90 years
'It's been a part of our family, a weekly or monthly ritual. My grandkids in Tucson are very sad that this place is going to close,' a customer told FOX 5 San Diego . Andy Meza, another longtime fan, revealed Las Cuatro Milpas is the kind of restaurant that 'takes you back to when you were growing up.' The Estudillo family is currently facing over $190,000 in combined tax debt and has put the property on the market for nearly $2 million.
Despite the financial struggles, their realtor Voltaire Lepe explained the family is mainly selling the business in order to retire. 'They've been working here all their lives. Just like any business owner, everyone owes money to different government agencies,' he said. Social media users have shared stories on Instagram of their memories of the restaurant that served generations of their families.
'I've been a regular for over 50 years. I was 18 years old when I was first introduced to the marvelous place,' a customer wrote. 'I will be there on their last day and order everything on the menu for one last taste.' 'This has been my Breakfast Spot for the last 20 years it's a sad day to know they will be closing but hopefully one or a few of the younger generation brings it back and gives the City another 100 years,' another person wrote.
A few others admitted they would cry on the last day of operations, and suggested the owners set up a GoFundMe to pay off their debt. The family has not revealed if money from the property sale would go toward their unpaid taxes, but they will be accepting offers until August 6. The listing only features the two residential units of the property, but the Estudillos are open to allow a buyer to relaunch Las Cuatro Milpas.
'If the right offer came along where they want to buy the piece of real estate along with the business, the family will consider it,' Lepe revealed. Las Cuatro Milpas is not the only Mexican restaurant to throw in the towel this year. Oscar's Taco House in San Antonio, Texas, shuttered in June to make way for a new bridge after 63 years of serving Mexican cuisine .
Former owner Alex Pruneda claimed the city had actually wanted them to shut down in May. However, Pruneda extended operations after telling them in a letter that it was 'too soon.' The small Z'Tejas restaurant chain closed its final location after 36 years earlier this month, blaming it on the end of its lease and 'the challenges of today's market.'
Mexican restaurant empires also shuttered restaurants this year, including Taco Bell, which made headlines for closing its oldest restaurant in April . On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina also frightened customers by filing for bankruptcy in March and closing 76 restaurants.
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