When Tempe's neighborhood shopping center on the northwest corner of Scottsdale and Curry Roads was demolished this summer, it was the end of an era for husband and wife team Ray and Janet Pedraza.
The current owners of La Fonda Mexican Restaurant and Cantina are also the son and daughter-in-law of Arizona native Eloise Franklin who, armed with recipes from her mother, opened the Sonoran-style Mexican restaurant in the shopping center in 1967. As the town of Tempe grew, so did the tiny La Fonda, doubling in size in 1985 when a neighboring space became available and seeing many of Franklin's family work in its kitchen and dining area.
After months of looking for a new location for their 45-year-old family restaurant, the Pedraza's finally found one -- and this weekend, they're inviting folks over to celebrate.
La Fonda's new location, at 1831 East Baseline Road in Tempe, is a freestanding building near Baseline and McClintock. The new, more spacious layout includes additional seating, a cantina, and a semi-private dining area. The Pedraza's have updated the restaurant's menu as well, adding new items such as street tacos, carnitas, and a broader variety of margaritas.
And all day this Friday and Saturday, October 5 and 6, La Fonda will be hosting a grand opening celebration which will include $3 house margs, Dos Equis draft and shots of Jose Cuevo for two bucks, half-off apps, and free giveaways for fans old and new.
"We're so grateful for the years of memories created at our original location," says owner Janet Pedraza, "and look forward to creating many more in our new neighborhood."
