El Charro Could Close After 73 Years In Business: Report

It’s hard enough for a restaurant to survive COVID-19 closures, even one as beloved as Lafayette’s El Charro. But the restaurant could be forced to say adios over an entirely different issue, according to a report by the Mercury News.

The Mt. Diablo Boulevard property, a former hacienda that was converted into a restaurant in 1947 by Frank and Wilma Garcia, is owned by Garcia Family LLC, a group of 10 people. Nine of the 10 live out-of-state and want to sell, while the 10th is here but lacks the money to buy out the others.

While nothing is settled, El Charro owners Dave and Laura Shields continue to run their business. Earlier this month, Laura wrote on Facebook, “Our food, our chef, our employees (who are like family to us), remain the same. Until we are notified, nothing has changed. Thank you for your support and care.”

According to its website, El Charro is open for dining and takeout from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.