Customers line up to wish El Gallito farewell

One of the valley’s longest-standing restaurants closed its doors for good on Saturday.

Loyal and new customers made the trip from near and far to enjoy a last bite at El Gallito Mexican restaurant in Cathedral City. Some people waited more than two hours for a table.

This season marked 39 years of business for the family-owned restaurant.

Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia honored the Cathedral City restaurant with a Lifetime Achievement award during its Last Day Celebration.

“It’s important to recognize families in business for this long so we just wanted to come and say thank you to them,” said the assemblyman.

Co-owner Cynthia Cantu-Rodriguez said the closing was bittersweet.

“We’ve made so many friends and family relationships that have been bonded because of this,” said Cantu-Rodriguez.

We are told the land will be redeveloped.

El Gallito’s recipes are still up for grabs for anyone interested in reopening the restaurant in a new location. For more information, contact Ron Cantu at 760-328-7794.