39-year-old owner of Julia’s Mesquite Mexican Grill loses battle with cancer

Condolences to the family and friends of East Valley restaurateur Federico Estrada, who died this week after a year-long battle with cancer. He was 39.

Estrada, the owner of Julia’s Mesquite Mexican Grill in Chandler and Mesa and the father of four young children, was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in November 2017.

The restaurant held several fundraisers in 2018 to help pay the medical expenses of Estrada, who, like many restaurant owners, had no health insurance.

Both restaurants will close at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, so staff can attend a memorial service.