One of Denver's most popular Mexican restaurants, El Tepehuan in Englewood, will be closing soon after 45 years of operations. The restaurant was founded back in 1978 and has been called "El Tep" by locals.

The reason for the restaurant closing is that its owner, Graciela Corral, is now retiring. This was announced by her son, Miguel Corral. It was originally founded by immigrant Jose David Corral of Sinaloa, Mexico and the name was a homage to his mother's indigenous tribe.

Jose Corral died in a car accident in 1987 and it was his wife, Graciela, who took over and has been running the restaurant for 36 years, even overseeing its relocation between 2015 and 2017. Her hard work paid off as the restaurant became one of the most popular food spots all over Denver.

Owner Graciela Corral spoke with the Denver Post over the phone and told the newspaper that "she kept the restaurant open after Jose's death because she needed work and thought having her own business would be the best opportunity."

Throughout its 45-year operation, El Tepehuan has survived several economic downturns, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which Graciela said was "difficult" but they were able to stay afloat thanks to the local community who continued supporting them by ordering to-go food and drinks.

The "El Tep" owner also has a message to her patrons, saying, "I will miss the customers and workers. For me, it's like family." She added, "To the customers, thank you for everything, for support for 45 years. Thank you, thank you for everybody."

"Every item in the combo was, if not astonishingly fantastic, nonetheless a solid throw-down, gimme-more, don't-talk-to-me-I'm-eating keeper. Fresh, flavorful, spicy and just naughty enough, from the spicy red chile Colorado to the melty-velvety cheese over the beans to the plump, meaty beans themselves," wrote Denver Post food critic Tucker Shaw.

READ MORE: Mexican Food: 5 Interesting Facts About This Legendary Cuisine

Iconic Denver Mexican Restaurant El Tepehuan Building in the Process of Being Sold

El Tepehuan has been considered a Denver establishment for decades now, and with the news of its imminent closing, Miguel Corral spoke to Westword and stated that his mother's restaurant closing is "bittersweet."

"Graciela would like to thank all of her customers from the bottom of her heart. Because of their loyal patronage, she was able to provide a good life for her children and grandchildren. She would like to spend more time with her family, travel, and enjoy retirement," he added.

Miguel also noted that the building that the restaurant is in is "in the process of selling the space to a new restaurant tenant." There is also a deal that would sell the El Tepehuan business itself to "a new owner who will continue the proud traditions for many more decades," in the works.

What Is the Iconic Denver Mexican Restaurant El Tepehuan?

According to the restaurant's official website, El Tepehuan founder Jose David Corral immigrated to the United States from Sinaloa, Mexico in the 1950s. He worked hard to save enough money to buy his own business, purchasing PJ's Diner at 3457 S. Broadway, Englewood, Colorado and renamed it to the restaurant we know today,

Some of his most beloved dishes, including the "Bob Burrito, named after a loyal customer, are still around today. As for the name, it is an homage to the indigenous Tepehuan people who live in the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sinaloa, whom Jose proudly represents.

READ NEXT: Aztec Culture Still Alive in Mexico Even After 500 Years

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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