Alfonso's Mexican Bar & Grill in downtown Ceres was celebrated for its 40 successful years of operation during a Tuesday, April 23 gathering.

State officials lend their applause of the popular eatery for its long community support for such events as hosting the Celebrity Waiter Night to benefit the Ceres Concerts in the Park series.

Alfonso Lara started the restaurant in 1973 after working for 10 years as head chef at Carmen's Restaurant in Modesto's McHenry Village. His wife 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.

Assemblyman Adam Gray sent an Assembly resolution which notes that Alfonso's Mexican Grill "has become renowned for its consistently delicious food and perpetually friendly service" and noted that the Lara family "has become an integral part of the Ceres community, with Alfonso building his reputation by serving Mexican food with charm and in a warm, inviting atmosphere."

The resolution also notes that daughter Sally Lara's management of the eatery has "continued the tradition set by her parents of keeping the restaurant the ‘to go' place in Ceres."

Alfonso's has been the meeting place of the Soroptimist International of Ceres since 2008.

State Senator Anthony Cannella, who still frequents the restaurant since leaving the Ceres mayor post, also sent a resolution in praise of Alfonso's.