Iconic SJB restaurant will close this month

Iconic San Juan Bautista Mexican restaurant Doña Esther’s will close its doors on Oct. 31, after 42 years of operation. 

The news filtered out through the San Benito County community earlier this week as patrons were told by staff of the upcoming shuttering of the location in the historic Third Street district. The restaurant broke the news on its social media pages. 

“After 42 incredible years, it’s time to say goodbye. It’s hard to put into words what this restaurant has meant to US, OUR family, and the community. When we first opened our doors, we could never have imagined the journey we would go on — the friendships we would make, the families we’d get to serve, and the memories created here,” reads a statement posted to its Facebook and Instagram pages on Oct. 14.

First opened in 1982 by Al Castañeda, Doña Esther’s has been run by Tami Castañeda-Huaracha, his daughter, since Castañeda retired in 2015. The establishment, affectionately referred to as “Doña’s” by locals, is not only well known for its food and drink menu, but also for its charity and community involvement.

In 2022, coinciding with the restaurant’s 40th anniversary, the office of California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who represents San Benito County, awarded a plaque to the Castañedas in recognition of their service. Now, the family says it is moving on to other endeavors.

“Running this restaurant has been a labor of love, but none of it would have been possible without the wonderful staff who became family, and of course, our loyal customers. You have been the heart of Doña Esther’s, and for that, we are forever grateful,” reads the social media post signed by Tami and Al.