Posted on 12/30/2020 12:35:45 PM PST by nickcarraway
Dec. 31 is your last chance to get that famous blue cheese garlic dip and skinny margaritas.
El Charro Mexican Dining, the Lafayette restaurant where generations of Lamorindans have celebrated anniversaries and birthdays alongside massive burritos, is closing after 73 years.
Owners Laura and Dave Shields made the announcement Tuesday via Facebook, and within three hours there were nearly 200 comments from heavy-hearted regulars.
“I’m sad. I’m sorry. God bless your family,” wrote one customer, Jennifer H. “What a tremendous restaurant experience you provided so many grateful families.”
Top fan Robert S. posted a collage of family photos taken at the colorful restaurant over the years.
“Thank you El Charro for over 40 years of great food, drinks, and most of all, great memories,” he wrote. “From special occasions to no occasion other than craving some ‘crack dip,’ you filled our bellies and our hearts, always made us feel welcome and like family, no matter how loud we got…”
The decision comes five weeks after rumors started circulating that the building housing the restaurant was going to be up for sale. A representative of Garcia Family LLC, a group of 10 who own the Mt. Diablo Boulevard property, did not immediately respond to a message regarding the property. But, in an email to the East Bay Times, Laura Shields says the group plans to sell.
“They are waiting for some legal dealings to finish up and then they will list it,” she said. “They were kind enough to give us an opportunity but the building needs major repairs and the property is $7 million.”
But financial losses from the closure of indoor and outdoor dining is the main reason the Shields are being forced to close. They used up the first round of their PPP loan and applied for the second round, but with the inevitable sale of the property looming, they didn’t see a way forward, Laura said.
“We had still planned on bringing all of our employees back. Now, I need a job,” she said. “We have no backup. We put everything we had and taken loans to keep going. We did it for our loyal customers and our incredible employees. We would have stayed shuttered if it were not for them.”
Dave, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, is no longer able to work and Laura has done all she can to save the eatery Frank and Wilma Garcia opened back in 1947, she says.
While no recipes will be shared, Laura says she is hoping to jar and sell that blue cheese dip.
El Charro remains open for takeout Dec. 30 and 31. To place orders and enjoy a final meal, call 925- 283-2345 or visit www.elcharrolafayette.com.
By the end of lockdown,I figure 70% and 90% in California and New York.....
The decision comes five weeks after rumors started circulating that the building housing the restaurant was going to be up for sale. A representative of Garcia Family LLC, a group of 10 who own the Mt. Diablo Boulevard property, did not immediately respond to a message regarding the property. But, in an email to the East Bay Times, Laura Shields says the group plans to sell.
People need to be swinging from lampposts for what they did.
Someone should publish a Co Vid cookbook with favorites recipes, photos and stories from these great places.
“Someone should publish a Co Vid cookbook with favorites recipes”
Why should they give their recipes away?
You know what this country needs right about now? Massive new energy taxes.
How the F do these f###ing narcissistic lunatics win any elections anywhere?
“What is an empty restaurant worth?”
Maybe the government wants it. None of them have lost their jobs or had reduced income.
What is curious to me is that the culinary unions are not squeezing the Governor to loosen up.
Based on how they went after a small diner that remains open, they in-fact seem party to the closures with the Guv.
White people owning a Mexican Restaurant? They got out before they got slammed for cultural appropriation.
Closed with a whimper.
At this point in time, you still are asking that question? Do you have no idea how they win elections? Really?
What state or country is this Lafayette in?
If I am called to Jury Duty and the case is about a Business Owner... that Lost Everything from this Lockdown and resorted to Vigilante Justice the Quislings that destroyed their Life and Business, I WILL VOTE NOT GUILTY!!!
Do you know what a rhetorical question is?
Wow
Really good food and great atmosphere...
Contra Costa County, CA.
Lafayette is in Northern California...the East Bay Area. My family used to eat there every Friday night.
Great food and atmosphere.
Sad.
Tip of the hat to Gavin Newsome.
Hope you like eating at McGlomerate's.
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