Guedo’s Cantina Grille owner William Samora dies at age 72

William ‘‘Guedo’’ Samora III – the owner of Guedo’s Cantina Grille, a downtown Chandler institution for 30 years before closing in 2016 – passed away Wednesday after a long illness. He was 72.

Guedo’s, a Baja-inspired surf-themed bar, was located on the southeast corner of Arizona Avenue and Chandler Boulevard.

In 2017, longtime Guedo’s customer Andrew Erickson resurrected the concept as Guedo’s Taco Shop on the northeast corner of Gilbert and Pecos roads in Gilbert.

With Samora serving as a consultant, the new spot featured the same menu and recipes as the original before closing in 2019.