AVONDALE, AZ — We're headed to Avondale where a local restaurant is having to make some changes to their yearly traditions, but are still cooking up their traditional cuisine.
"Normally, every year our tradition is to have mariachi. Same as Mother's Day, our biggest day. But this year because of everything going on, we might have to do it outside. I don't know. I am still working on that one," said Martin Alonso, the current owner of Raul and Theresa's Mexican Restaurant, a staple that has been in Avondale for more than five decades.
"This is authentic Mexican. We do everything fresh. We make our own chorizo. We make our own salsas in here every day. We make fresh guacamole daily. So we really believe fresh is the best thing to do," he said.
They are located near MC 85 and Litchfield Road in Avondale, not far from Phoenix-Goodyear Airport. Make sure not to miss the old wagon out front, an antique that dates back to 1912, according to Martin.
According to Martin, Theresa Martinez Cayrez began cooking in the 1950s and 1960s and worked at various restaurants in Avondale, Goodyear, and Phoenix. She opened Raul and Theresa's in 1968. Former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano even visited once.
There is a another restaurant in Goodyear, but we're told that aside from sharing the same name, the two restaurants are owned and operated separately.
Because of the pandemic, Martin had to close his dining room. His tables and chairs have been empty for weeks and sales are down nearly 80%, he said. However, customers have been ordering and supporting their restaurant, something he is grateful for.
"All my life I’m in the restaurant and cocktail business. That is my passion. There is nothing more satisfying than people take my hand and say thank you," he said. A simple handshake, something we may not be able to do right now, but a reminder that we're all in this together and that we will get through this together.
"Just letting people know that we here. We going to be here forever. We not going to go nowhere," he said.
IF YOU GO:
Raul and Theresa's Mexican Food
519 W Main St, Avondale, AZ 85323
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We're Open, Arizona: We know this is a tough time for a lot of people in our community, including local restaurants and businesses. As local spots continue to serve takeout, look for ways to safely do business, and give back to our community, we want to share their stories. Visit abc15.com/open or email us at OpenInAZ@abc15.com.
