Beloved Fort Lauderdale Eatery Carlos & Pepe's Shutters After Just One Year of New Owners
Fort Lauderdale, FL— After 45 years of serving the South Florida community, the beloved Mexican restaurant Carlos & Pepe's has closed its doors permanently. The closure, announced on social media, came after the new owners could not agree with the landlord over estimates for HVAC replacements.
The troubles began when the old owner, a fixture in the community, sold the establishment to new proprietors. The change in guard brought about a swift decline in quality, with patrons taking to social media to express their discontent. Despite the outcry, the new owners remained steadfast in their approach, ultimately blaming air conditioning issues for the restaurant's struggles instead of addressing the subpar food, service, and exorbitant price hikes.
A Legacy Lost Carlos & Pepe's, located at 1302 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL, was founded in January 1979. The restaurant prided itself on using only the finest and freshest ingredients. Even when faced with rising food costs, the owners refused to compromise on quality. This commitment to quality and authenticity made Carlos & Pepe's a local favorite for nearly four decades.
However, recent reviews suggest that the food quality could be more consistent. Some guests praised the chicken quesadillas and tacos, while others found the food flavorless. There were also complaints about the service, with some guests describing it as slow and needing more attention from staff. Prices increased as food became more inconsistent, which is always a sign of trouble.
The Final Chapter The saga ended in June 2024 when the restaurant announced a temporary closure for HVAC repairs. However, the promised swift resolution fell through, leading to a larger decision. The new owners, Paula and Richard Ehmke, who took over the restaurant in July 2023, were unable to reach a financial agreement with the landlord over the HVAC replacement costs.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Paula Ehmke expressed her gratitude to the staff, regular guests, visitors, and supporters. She also announced that Carlos & Pepe's would continue to offer their dishes through their food truck, Carlos & Pepe's On Wheels.
The news of Carlos & Pepe's closure has sent shockwaves through the community, with many taking to social media to express their sadness and outrage. "This was more than just a restaurant - it was a part of our family," said one long-time customer. "The new owners had no idea what they were getting themselves into. They ruined a Fort Lauderdale institution."
The Aftermath Following the closure, Sunshine Auction Services LLC held an online auction for the restaurant's equipment. The auction included complete kitchen equipment, refrigeration equipment, pots, pans, decor, and tables and chairs.
The closure of Carlos & Pepe's marks the end of an era. The restaurant, which had been a mainstay in Fort Lauderdale for 45 years, will be sorely missed by the community. However, the restaurant's legacy will, in part, live on through its food truck, offering a glimmer of hope for the loyal patrons who have cherished this institution for decades.
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