Photos: Rigo's Mexican Restaurant in Tucson has closed
For more than 20 years, Rigo’s Restaurant was a fixture of South Fourth Avenue and a haunt for local politicians who “chewed the fat” over plates of refried beans and Sonoran carne asada. But the South Tucson restaurant is now permanently closed, after owner Rigoberto “Rigo” Lopez says he was forced out by a private lender. Read the full story here.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Shown in 2009, restaurant owner Rigoberto Lopez, center, owner of Rigo's Restaurant on South Fourth Avenue, with his family, wife Maria de La Luz Lopez, Lizeth Fabiola Lopez, and Mayra Janeth Lopez along with chef Oscar Gastelum, who has also been with the restaurant since it opened.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Josefina Gallegos sings at Rigo's Mexican Restaurant Sunday November 28, 2004.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Ramon Salazar solos as the Sunnyside High School mariachi group, Los Diabilitos, performs Saturday, April 2, 2005 during a recognition breakfast for Mario Castro at Rigo's Restaurant.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
After working more than 10 hours, Maria de La Luz Lopez kisses her husband Rigoberto Lopez, owner of Rigo's Restaurant on South Fourth Avenue, at the end of her shift in the evening. Rigoberto and his wife started Rigo's.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Rigo's Restaurant was favorite for local politicians, such as Richard Fimbres, director for the Governor's office for Highway Safety, and his wife Mary Fimbres and friend Terry Gaughan, shown in 2009.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Rigo's Restaurant server Lulu Chavrria serves a plate of hot Mexican food on a Tuesday night in 2009.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
The Lopez family, owners of Rigo's Restaurant, shown in 2009.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Server Lulu Chavarria delivers Mexican food to a table at Rigo's Restaurant on South Fourth Avenue in 2009.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
World Cup soccer fans Francisco Flores and Martha Davila cheer as they watch Mexico play against Iran during the World Cup in Germany during their breakfast, Sunday, June 11, 2006, at Rigo's Mexican Restaurant on south Fourth Ave.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
White menudo at Rigo’s, shown in 2012.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Shown in 2001, Rigoberto Lopez, owner of Rigo’s Mexican Restaurant, replenishes the cup of water and grass for the horse of St. Martin of Tours, also known as San Martin Caballero, patron saint of small businesses.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Newly-elected Tucson city council member Richard Fimbres. center, flanked by his wife Mary, left, and son Joseph, right, laughs with family while dining at Rigo's Restaurant in 2009.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Rigberto Lopez inserts an umbrella into a patio table at his new restaurant at 5851 N. Oracle Rd on March 18, 2011. The new location closed in 2020.
Rigo's Mexican Restaurant closes, 2021
Rigberto Lopez slices beef for fajitas in the kitchen at his new location at 5851 N. Oracle Rd on Friday, March 18, 2011.
Rick Wiley
Photo editor
Después de batallar con los cierres y cambios provocados por la pandemia, el dueño se atrasó en pagos de la hipoteca y el edificio fue subastado.