Serrano’s Mexican restaurants announced that it will permanently close its Chandler location on June 1, according to a news release sent out Tuesday.

The release states the family’s three other Serrano’s restaurants — one in Queen Creek and two in Mesa — will remain open Employees of the Chandler restaurant will be offered employment at those locations.

Ric Serrano, CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants, stated in the release that he knows the role the Chandler restaurant has played and plays in city and community history and what it means to have locally grown businesses in Downtown Chandler.

“As the oldest family-owned business in Chandler, we did not make this decision lightly,” Serrano said. “This particular location is the only one we own outright. With the influx of new restaurants downtown, we’ve seen a decline in business over the past few years, and with more than 13,000 square feet, it’s also our most expensive restaurant to operate.”

In September 2019, the family celebrated 100 years in business since the launch of the Serrano Brothers Popular Store in Chandler in 1919. Mayor Kevin Hartke presented the family with a key to the city at an elaborate event.

The small chain also celebrated 44 years in the restaurant industry this past December, having opened in 1979.

The restaurant property, which is located next to Chandler City Hall at 141 S. Arizona Ave., between Boston and Chicago streets, has been listed for sale and includes a parking lot on the southwest corner of Boston and Washington streets, the release states.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants is owned and operated by the seven adult children of the late couple, Ernie and Eva Serrano, who founded the restaurant in 1979.

“We hope our loyal Chandler customers will make a drive to one of our other locations, or support Pronto by Serrano’s in south Tempe, which offers our family’s recipes in a fast-casual setting,” Ric Serrano said in the relase. “While this marks the end of an era, we are grateful for the many years of memories we’ve made with the community — from hosting wedding receptions and memorials to celebrating milestone birthdays and serving as many young people’s first place of employment as a host or busser.”

The release said the Serrano family will still have a presence in Chandler, as their corporate office is located within the city.

In addition to the restaurant, the Chandler Serrano’s location has two large banquet rooms with a capacity of 125. The restaurant will continue hosting banquet events until the end of May.

To inquire about scheduling a banquet rental at the Chandler location, call 480-857-0343 or email catering@serranosaz.com.

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