Pronto, Family Owned Mexican Restaurant, Closes After 1 Year

Another restaurant has closed down in greater Phoenix.Photo byTim MossholderonUnsplash

This summer has proven to be incredibly difficult for the restaurant industry around Phoenix. While the summer months are often more challenging due to tourists avoiding Arizona in triple-degree temperature season and many locals prefer to stay home in the AC, this year seems to have proven extra taxing, as restaurants ranging from long-time family favorites to those with only a few months under their belts have closed down. Autumn can’t arrive soon enough for many of these restaurants, as it means a return of college students, snowbirds, and more outdoor activities (including eating out). Unfortunately, one locally-owned restaurant was unable to make it and has shut down for good.

Earlier in the summer, Serrano’s closed in Chandler after 45 years of serving the greater community. The family-owned Mexican restaurant wanted to focus on other locations, including its recently launched Pronto, a quick-service Mexican restaurant that let customers build their own tacos and burritos. However, after a year, Pronto in Tempe has now closed down as well.

There has been no mention of the closing on the family’s social media platforms, which are used to market all of the locations around the Valley. However, the website was recently updated to announce the closure that went official on July 30. The post did not go into any details as to why the sudden nature of the restaurant. The post did suggest anyone with gift cards to the Tempe location (6440 South Rural Road) stop by the Serrano’s in Queen Creek or Mesa before the end of August.

Whether any of the recent closures has something to do with Ernie Serrano Jr.’s retirement is not known, though he officially hung up his apron one last time (at least professionally) at the end of June. A prominent family member in the restaurants, he played a major roll in maintaining the various businesses over the decade.

The remaining locations are still running specials. Every Tuesday is Taco Tuesday with $2.50 street tacos and $3.50 classic crispy tacos. Thursday night is family dinner night, with kid's meals running $3.49 after 4 PM (one child entree per adult). Additionally, seniors receive a 10% discount every Tuesday.

If you have a gift card, or you want to stop by one of the currently open restaurants, you can visit the Queen Creek location at 22703 East Ellsworth Road, or the Mesa location at 1964 East McKellips.