It's the end of an era for Pasadena's El Cholo Cafe, a spot that has warmly served up Mexican cuisine to locals for a quarter of a century. The restaurant has announced that August 3rd will be its final day in operation, much to the dismay of its dedicated clientele. According to a post on What Now Los Angeles, the owners have decided to shift their focus back to the family’s catering division.
While the announcement may come as a surprise, the owners appear to readily embrace the next chapter for their business. "To Our valued guests for the past 25 years, we have enjoyed the relationships we created with you all, but with a heavy heart, we have made the very tough decision to close our doors," the restaurant shared on its Facebook page. El Cholo Cafe's staff is gearing up to rejoin the family business, according to the same Facebook post.
The restaurant leaves behind a legacy of classic Mexican dishes that have been a staple in the Pasadena dining scene. Over the years, it has not only served meals but also become a part of the community's fabric, supporting patrons through celebratory and trying times, including the challenges of the pandemic. With its closure, Pasadena says farewell to not just a restaurant, but a piece of its communal soul.
As El Cholo Cafe prepares to shut its doors, there is a mixture of gratitude and bittersweet emotion. "We are excited to be going back to the family business and will be heading up the Catering division for the El Cholo family of restaurants," the owners detailed in their farewell Facebook post. Patrons are being encouraged to stop by for one last taste of El Cholo's comforting fare before the café officially bids adieu to its home in Pasadena. With its impending closure, the community is not just losing a beloved eatery but also a gathering spot for local cuisine aficionados.
For those looking to savor El Cholo Cafe’s dishes one final time or to mark the occasion with their support, there remain only a few days. The last service is set for Sunday, leaving regulars with a closing window to enjoy what has been a significant part of Pasadena's dining scene for 25 years. The upcoming closure marks a significant transition for both the restaurant and the patrons who have come to consider El Cholo a landmark in their dining experiences.
