Alejandra’s Restaurant Reopens in Visalia After Fire Devastation

UPDATE: Alejandra’s Mexican Restaurant in Downtown Visalia has officially reopened its doors after a devastating fire that forced the beloved eatery to close for over three years. The fire, ignited by a man who admitted to starting it in a nearby dumpster, not only destroyed Alejandra’s but also impacted neighboring businesses, including Décor to Adore and Jimmy John’s.

This week, Alejandra’s has risen from the ashes, welcoming eager customers back to its revamped space. General Manager Saul Altamirano expressed the excitement among staff, stating, “It feels great, the staff, we have all been anxious to return back to the community.” Since reopening, the restaurant has seen a surge of visitors, with hundreds already enjoying the familiar flavors and ambiance that have made Alejandra’s a local favorite since its inception.

Longtime customer Geraldine Cole, who has dined at Alejandra’s since 2008, shared her joy at the restaurant’s return. “It’s exactly what we expected just coming in getting our chips and salsa,” she said, noting the years spent waiting for the restaurant’s comeback. The reopening has not only restored a beloved dining spot but also rekindled a sense of nostalgia for the community.

The newly rebuilt Alejandra’s boasts a larger capacity of around 200 seats, with improvements that include a tripled bar area seating 24 and an expanded patio featuring five new tables. The restaurant has grown its space by approximately 20%, allowing it to better serve the community. “Once you think about it and reflect on it, you are able to say maybe things happen for the better,” Saul commented. “Now we are able to expand and have more space to feed the community.”

The grand reopening is scheduled for this upcoming Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony set to take place between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The entire community is invited to join the celebration. Alejandra’s will be open from 9 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 9 AM to 9 PM on Sundays.

With its return, Alejandra’s not only reinstates a cherished dining option but also symbolizes resilience and community spirit in the face of adversity. For more updates on Alejandra’s, visit their social media channels.