Condolences to Elmer’s Tacos, the longtime Chandler taco shop that lost its founder this week. Claudio ‘‘Elmer’’ Cuen passed away Sunday at age 70.
Cuen, a Sonora native, moved from Los Angeles and opened Elmer’s in 1974 just a few feet north of its current location. The menu offers a variety of Sonora-style tacos and burros.
Located across the street from Chandler High School, it’s a popular hangout for students, generations of whom have grown up on Elmer’s signature “strips’’ – corn tortilla strips with cheese and hot sauce for about a dollar.
The restaurant’s fans are holding a meet-up at the restaurant from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday to eat and share memories of Cuen.
Cuen is survived by his wife, eight children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
