La Fonda Mexican Restaurant in Tempe to Close

La Fonda has had a presence in Tempe since 1967.

October 28, 2021

Image: La Fonda Mexican Restaurant in Tempe is closing on November 7.

La Fonda Mexican Restaurant in Tempe is closing on November 7. La Fonda Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

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La Fonda Mexican Restaurant & Cantina has been serving up affordable Mexican dishes in Tempe since 1967, but those days are coming to an end — for a little while, at least. The restaurant announced in a Facebook post on October 26 that it will close its current location at 1831 East Baseline Road on November 7.

“Our parents, Ray and Janet [Pedraza], will now be retiring,” the post says. “The [third] generation will now keep the 1967 tradition going.”

According to the post, the restaurant hopes to be “up and operating in just a few months or less.” A specific location has yet to be announced.

La Fonda is open for dine-in and takeout from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, through November 7.

Eloise Franklin opened at a shopping center on Scottsdale Road and Curry Road in Tempe. She started with only a dozen tables serving Sonoran-style Mexican food, which was inspired by her great-grandmother. In 2012, the shopping center was demolished and the restaurant moved to its current location.

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