The filmmaker and star of dozens of mostly Spanish-language movies, Alejandro Alcondez, literally rolled out the red carpet Friday (Feb. 22, 2013) for the grand opening of his new Alejandro Alcondez Mexican Grill, Dining & Dancing restaurant at 57 Wheeler in the historic Downtown Arcadia area just off First Avenue north of Huntington Drive and just south of where the new Gold Line train station and transit plaza is being built.
Alcondez said that he and his wife Alicia Herrera were so drawn to the beauty of Arcadia after a visit to the Arboretum that they sold their restaurant in Los Angeles and their home in Beverly Hills to move to Arcadia and open this new restaurant.
Mayor Bob Harbicht and other dignitaries invited by the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce walked the red carpet in front of a phlanx of photographers before presenting Alcondez certificates of congratulations and welcome. The ribbon was then cut and dozens of attendees were welcomed into the large facility featuring a dance floor and stage for live entertainment to enjoy a buffet of delicious Mexican cuisine and beverages.
Mayor Harbicht (white shirt) congratulates Alejandro Alcondez (shaking hands) on the red carpet.
Alcondez, whose 2007 movie, “Cielito Lindo,” and several upcoming are in English, says the restaurant is open daily and will offer live entertainment many evenings. Requests will also be considered to rent the facility for special events, he said. Contact info: (626) 254-0757 or AlejandroAlcondezRestaurant@yahoo.com.
See full gallery of photos from the Friday grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at the web site of the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce.
— By Scott Hettrick