Alfonso’s Mexican Restaurant, a mainstay at 2375 Lawrence Street in downtown Ceres for the past 53 years, closed its doors on Oct. 17.
Founded by Alfonso Lara Sr., the restaurant had been operated by daughter Sally Lara in recent decades.
On Oct. 16 the closure was announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page that read: “It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to say goodbye to a place that has been part of our community for 53 years. Alfonso’s Mexican Grill is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place where families gathered, friendships were made, birthdays were celebrated, and memories were created around a table full of good food and laughter.
“To every customer who walked through those doors, every family who chose us for their occasions, and everyone who supported us through the years – THANK YOU. You were never just customers; you were part of our story.
“It’s heartbreaking to watch the doors close on a place that has been around for generations. While this chapter is coming to an end, the memories, friendships, and love shared within these walls will live on forever.
“Fifty-three years of serving our community, 53 years of memories. One unforgettable LEGACY. THANK YOU for being a part of the Alfonso’s Mexican Grill family. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
The restaurant remained a community favorite for decades and enjoyed widespread accolades. In 2014 Alfonso’s was bestowed with the Ceres Chamber of Commerce’s “Downtown Business of the Year” award. In accepting the award, Sally Lara held her plaque upward and looking upward to remember her recently departed father who started the restaurant in 1973. Alfonso’s was chosen for the award for improving its operation and the continuous support for a number of charitable causes, including breast cancer awareness, CYB, fire department barbecue, high school fundraisers.
The restaurant owners were always staunch supporters of the community over the years, hosting Concerts in the Park celebrity waiter nights and meetings of Soroptimist and Ceres Women’s Club.
The news saddened many of their longtime customers who hold many memories at the establishment.
“There are no words for what you mean to our family,” Lisa Mantarro Moore wrote to the Lara family. “My childhood and my adulthood was spent there. Thank you for being the very best and supporting our community each and every day.”
Jeff Maloy recounted how he opened Landon’s Men’s Wear in the Richland Shopping Center in 1975 and “had my first meal that same week. Sorry to see you go but now just relax.”
Teresa Gonzalez recalls Alfonso’s was a favorite of her late mother.
From Michele Downing came this shared memory: “Have been going here since I was a kid! My dad used to take me for ‘business lunches.’ I was a tiny girl. We spent so many holidays and special nights with special friends and no one does chile verde the same! What a loss!”
Alfonso Lara opened the Ceres restaurant in 1973 after first bussing tables at Burgie’s Drive-In and then working hard as the head chef at Carmen’s Restaurant in Modesto’s McHenry Village for 10 years. His wife of 58 years, Martha, was an important member of the restaurant’s team as the couple set up in a former coffee shop at Fifth and Lawrence streets. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 84. His children Sally Lara, Alma Lara and son Alfonso Lara Jr. carried on the restaurant tradition until this month.
