Longtime Arizona Mexican restaurant chain closes one of its last remaining locations

Another longtime Arizona restaurant is preparing to shut down a location that has served generations of East Valley diners for more than three decades. The closure adds to a growing list of restaurant shutdowns across the Phoenix metro area as operators continue facing rising costs and changing consumer habits.

Closure marks the end of a longtime Mesa staple

Serrano’s Mexican Food announced that its McKellips Road restaurant in Mesa would permanently close on May 16, 2026, marking the end of an era for many longtime customers in the area.

Serrano’s Mexican Food has been a familiar dining spot for generations of Mesa residents since opening in the early 1990s. Known for its traditional Sonoran-style Mexican dishes, Serrano’s built a loyal following with menu favorites including enchiladas, tacos, tamales, and margaritas.

The company confirmed the closure in a public announcement, thanking customers and staff members who supported the location over the years.

Restaurant footprint continues to shrink

The closure will leave Serrano’s with just two remaining Arizona locations, including restaurants in Mesa on Power Road and in Queen Creek. The family-owned chain once operated as many as five East Valley restaurants during its peak years.

In 2024, the company also closed its longtime downtown Chandler restaurant after more than four decades in business. The latest shutdown reflects how even established local restaurant brands are continuing to scale back operations amid higher food costs, labor expenses, and ongoing economic pressure across the industry.

While the McKellips location is shutting down, the company’s remaining restaurants are expected to continue operating.

Part of a growing wave of Arizona restaurant closures

Serrano’s is one of several Arizona restaurants announcing closures in recent months as the restaurant industry continues to navigate economic pressure in 2026.

Across the Phoenix metro area, both independent restaurants and larger chains have reduced locations, closed longtime storefronts, or restructured operations amid higher food and labor costs.

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