Fiesta Mexicana, Uptown’s Oldest Restaurant, Closing After 45 Years
A Legacy Comes to an End
Fiesta Mexicana, 4806 N. Broadway, will hold its final day of service on December 20, the restaurant announced in a social media post. The restaurant cited “challenges COVID-19 presented and the increased changes these last 24 months” as the reason for its closure.
A Message from the Owners
“It has been a privilege to serve you, new and old guests,” the post said. “Seeing you come in as children with your parents and to now seeing you come in as adults with your own families has been an honor. You have become part of our Fiesta family and we are humbled to have been part of yours.”
A Rich History
Fiesta Mexicana was opened in 1979 by Lucy Matthew, who came to Chicago from Peru, making it the oldest continually operating restaurant in Uptown and the 46th Ward. In 2020, the City Council honored the restaurant with a resolution that declared October 31 “Fiesta Mexicana Day”.
A New Generation of Ownership
Matthew passed away in 2016, and the restaurant is now owned by her daughter, Tania D’Agostino.
A Favorite Hangout for Music Lovers
Fiesta Mexicana is a popular spot for concertgoers attending events at the Riviera Theatre, The Green Mill, and Aragon Ballroom. In its early years, the restaurant also benefited from its proximity to the Uptown Theatre, which closed in 1981.
A Challenging Pandemic
Like many restaurants, Fiesta Mexicana struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the prolonged closure of the neighborhood theaters, the restaurant lost about 40% of its business, owners told Block Club in October 2020.
What’s Next?
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Conclusion
Fiesta Mexicana’s closure marks the end of an era in Uptown. The restaurant’s dedication to its customers and the community will be deeply missed. As the owners said, “You have become part of our Fiesta family and we are humbled to have been part of yours.”
FAQs
* When is Fiesta Mexicana’s final day of service?
+ December 20
* Why is Fiesta Mexicana closing?
+ Due to challenges presented by COVID-19 and increased changes over the last 24 months
* Who owns Fiesta Mexicana?
+ Tania D’Agostino, daughter of Lucy Matthew, the original owner
* What is the significance of Fiesta Mexicana’s location?
+ It is the oldest continually operating restaurant in Uptown and the 46th Ward, and has been a popular spot for concertgoers and locals alike.
