PHOENIX — It's been a good 22 years for Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza.
In 2002, she opened Barrio Café in downtown Phoenix and the Mexican American restaurant skyrocketed to become one of the most beloved venues in the city. But after more than two decades, Barrio Café is closing its doors for good.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Uno de los restaurantes mexicanos más emblemáticos en Phoenix cerrará sus puertas
"It's true, I'm retiring. It's true, I did get a little old," Chef Silvana announced on Instagram. "Without me, there is no Barrio, so we're gonna have to close. But we're closing on a high note."
The Arizona Republic fist reported on the restaurant's closure Wednesday.
She said that she doesn't want to be one of those people who doesn't let you know their venue's closed until it's closed. She wanted to let her staff know personally ahead of time and wanted to celebrate her team for the work they've done.
"I love you, I thank you, you're part of why Barrio exists." she proclaimed.
"The truth is I'm right at that age where I want to retire, and I wanted to retire since I was 57," Chef Silvana shared.
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed her restaurant close to the brink of closing, but she refused to end on that note.
The James Beard Award finalist is known for her activism outside the kitchen. In the spring, soon after the pandemic shut down Valley restaurants, Esparza was giving away food to feed the community.
She's had a legendary run in the restaurant industry, and even with Barrio Café closing, Chef Silvana is excited for what comes next.
"I'm gonna go be a low rider. I'm gonna go feed people in Mexico. I'm still gonna be around, but I'm gonna write books," she stated.
Her first book goes on presale May 5.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
WE ❤ ARIZONA
Explore amAZing people, places and things across our state on our 12News YouTube playlist here.