Fire destroys 50-year landmark Tex-Mex restaurant in Johnson County
La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, known for its lavish garden setting in a 50-year-old Cleburne landmark, was destroyed by fire early Monday, Cleburne fire officials said.
The fire was reported at 1:13 a.m., a Cleburne fire official said. No cause had been determined by midday Monday.
La Fiesta, 728 N. Main St., was built in 1973 as Jose’s, one of the Vazquez family’s two Johnson County locations and five across North Texas towns.
The first Jose’s opened in 1970 in Granbury. The Cleburne location was known for its elaborate decor and fountain, and for late founder Jose Vazquez Jr. strolling as he sang and played Spanish guitar.
The Vazquez family sold it to the Avalos family and La Fiesta about 2000. It was currently operated by Virginia and Hector Alcaraz, according to a GoFundMe.com page set up to help them with personal expenses.
Edicia Avalos wrote on Facebook that her family still owns the building and: “Our family is devastated at the loss, as that building holds so many memories. ... Although we do not know what the future holds, we know that God always has a plan.”
Mayor Scott Cain wrote on Facebook: “Like many others, I waited tables there when I was in high school and had many family meals there. It is a sad day in Cleburne.”
This story was originally published July 2, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
