A former south-side restaurant known for its home-style Mexican food is reopening Tuesday.
Cora's Cafe was a neighborhood fixture on the corner of West Irvington Road and South Sixth Avenue for at least a half-century. Arturo Sanchez bought the restaurant in 2001. Six years later, the combination of a soft economy and increasing rent forced Sanchez to close Cora's.
"I've been waiting three years for the economy to get better. I'm still waiting for the economy to get better," said Sanchez, who always intended to reopen the restaurant.
Sanchez will continue to operate his two Mexican food trucks as well as the restaurant - now on South Park Avenue - with help from his wife, three children and nieces and nephews.
Though the location has changed, the menu remains the same. Sanchez and his family plan to serve up the specialties that kept their former diners satisfied, including birria and machaca, and soups such cocido, albondigas and menudo.
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"I feel a little nervous because a lot of restaurants are going out of business. I am thinking my customers will come back. They like my food," he said. "I can make it, hopefully. And if not, I tried."
Cora's Cafe
• Where: 4525 S. Park Ave., at East Fair Street.
• When: South-side cafe reopens Tuesday.
• Hours: Breakfast 6:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday; 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Lunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays.
• Call: 294-2146.
Contact reporter Kimberly Matas at kmatas@azstarnet.com or at 573-4191.