Historic Chandler-based restaurant Serrano’s to host Centennial Fiesta
Aug 10, 2019, 2:00 PM | Updated: Sep 18, 2019, 4:23 pm
(Image/Official Website of the City of Chandler, Arizona)
(Image/Official Website of the City of Chandler, Arizona)
CHANDLER — On Thursday, Sept. 19, Chandler’s oldest continuously owned family business, Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant, will celebrate its 100th birthday.
Originally, The Serrano Brothers Popular Store opened the doors to its location in September 1919, later becoming Serrano’s Department Store.
The Popular Store sold goods and attire to the farmers of Chandler, a city that had a population of approximately 1,000 people.
Ernie and Eva Serrano transitioned from the clothing industry to the food industry in 1979 as department stores and indoor shopping malls became increasingly popular.
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The family has been focused on Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant for the last 40 years and is owned and operated today by Ernie and Eva’s eight adult children.
“Our family has seen our fair share of changes and challenges over the years, but we have always been able to adapt. Today, our business model is centered around the values we hold most dear – faith, family and food,” said Ric Serrano, president and CEO of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants in a press release.
The Centennial Fiesta will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Downtown Chandler location and will feature $1.00 shredded beef or chicken tacos with rice and beans entree. At 7 p.m. a taco-eating contest will take place between local officials, police and fire department representatives who will be competing for a $1,000 prize to be donated to the 100 Club of Arizona.
Face painting, raffle prizes and children’s activities are included in the festivities.
Serrano’s will also be collecting children’s book and stuffed animal donations for the annual W. Steven Martin Police and Fire Toy Drive.
The celebration doesn’t end on there. From Sept. 16-21, Serrano’s will feature a different $1.00 special including margaritas, fried ice cream, street tacos and more.
Throughout September, the Mexican restaurant will donate $1.00 for every $10 Serrano Centennial Sampler menu item that is sold.
These specials are available at all five locations.
