Arizona Mexican restaurant and tortilleria closes after 83 years of 'priceless' memories
La Fonda Mexican restaurant in Yuma has closed after 83 years.
In a Facebook post dated Sept. 28, the family announced plans to close on Sept. 30 at the end of service, "with both heavy hearts and a deep sense of gratitude."
According to the post, La Fonda first opened as a tortilla factory in 1940. Frank Ramos worked at the factory until 1982, when he purchased the shop and turned it into a restaurant that he ran with his wife Connie. Their daughter Franchesca took the reins after her dad died in 2002.
Franchesca told KYMA she was closing the restaurant to be with her mother who's suffering from dementia.
The Yuma community made many memories at La Fonda
"Our restaurant has been more than just a restaurant, it has been a cornerstone of our community," the post read. "One of the most treasured traditions that defined our restaurant was tamale season," wrote Franchesca. "During those special times, the air was filled with the comforting scent of freshly made tamales, and our restaurant became a hub of activity where families and friends gathered to share moments of joy. Our tamale season was a celebration of our culture and a testament to the close bonds that define our community. The memories we've created during tamale season and throughout the years are priceless."
The closure announcement was met with an outpouring of well wishes from customers.
"Make everyday count our time here is so precious and short," wrote Christina Hall. "Sending you all my thoughts and prayers."
"Thank you for many years of giving me the opportunity to work for your family," wrote Alexis Lara. "It was a pleasure and I will forever hold a spot for la fonda in my heart!"
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Mexican restaurant and tortilla factory closes after 83 years