Rosita’s Restaurant, a mainstay along Route 66 in downtown Barstow, California, for more than six decades, announced a few days ago it would close permanently on May 29.
Proprietor Jerry Guardado Jr. stated on a social media post “the time has come for Stasia and I to start on a new path in our lives.”
We are writing this to announce that Rosita’s will be closing on May 29, 2021. This decision is both happy and sad for us as we have had three generations grow up in our family business.
We have celebrated countless weddings, baby showers, anniversaries, birthday parties, and many local events. We are also honored to have supported Barstow’s youth and charities within our establishment.
Rosita’s has employed amazing people over the years. Their loyalty and hard work has made Rosita’s what it is today. We are extremely proud of all that we have accomplished and could not be more thankful to those who have believed in us. None of this would have ever been possible if it weren’t for our loyal customers that came from near and far. It has been a pleasure to serve you for so many years.
On behalf of my grandmother, Rosa, my parents Mary & Jerry, my daughter Stasia, and myself we thank you for all your business and support for the last 66 years on Route 66.
Rosita’s website contains this brief history of the restaurant:
Our history begins with Rosa Griego, the original owner of Rosita’s Restaurant. In 1948 she opened Griego’s Market at 513 W. Main St in Barstow and in 1954 expanded her business to half grocery market and half restaurant. In 1957, Rosa took her restaurant a step further and completely phased out the grocery market, making room for a 100-seat dining area and cocktail lounge.
Rosa believed in a family-run business and promoted her daughter, Mary Alice, and son-in-law, Genaro Guardado (Jerry), to partners in 1971. From there, Jerry became the mastermind in Rosta’s current location. In 1974, a vacant building at 540 W. Main St. caught Jerry’s attention and all three partners decided to make the very big purchase. Major renovations to the building transformed it into a hacienda-style restaurant, including two separate banquet rooms and the capacity to seat up to 500 people total.
Mary Alice and Jerry Sr. have five children; Rosemary, Geraldine, Anna, Margaret, and Jerry Jr. and each one has contributed to the family business at some point in their lives. In 1991 Jerry Jr. became a fourth partner in the family business. Today, Jerry Jr. and his daughter, Anastasia, are both owners and run the restaurant.
This video provides a nice taste of Rosita’s:
(Hat tip to Delvin Roy Harbour; image of Rosita’s Restaurant in Barstow, California, via Facebook)
I’ll miss that place. BEST darn fajita’s all along 66!
How sad. Another long time family business closes. Hopefully, someone will buy it and continue the tradition with their own family. We can hope!