In a move surprising yet not totally unexpected, Guedo’s Cantina Grille in downtown Chandler closed over the weekend after three decades in business.
The closure wasn’t publicized in advance, and one longtime employee said he didn’t learn of it until he showed up for work.
But Guedo’s future has been in question since last year when the city approved plans for a developer to build a major commercial and residential project on surrounding property.
Two longtime restaurants next to the empty parcels on the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard were affected.
Jack in the Box has refused all offers to sell or relocate, and developers are planning to build the project around the busy fast-food restaurant.
Guedo’s owner William Samora III told the Arizona Republic he also intended to keep operating the surf-themed bar on its site, but declined to say whether he’d accept a buyout offer.
Apparently the latter occurred because signage indicates Guedo’s plans to reopen at a new location.
