Pepitos Likely to Close After 46 Years in South Minneapolis

Pepitos, the Mexican restaurant at 4820 Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis will soon be closing its doors after 46 years of business. The restaurant has relinquished its liquor license and is up for sale. The founder, Joe Minjares, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis several years ago. His daughter Pamela Senkyr and sons Joe Jr. and Paul currently run the restaurant, but the hardships within the family have manifested inside the restaurant.

Senkyr told the Star Tribune, “Ever since my dad got sick, it feels like the restaurant is sick. It feels like the restaurant is dying with him.”

The family has set up a Go Fund Me page to assist with Joe Senior’s mounting medical costs as they hope for a life-saving lung transplant.

For the restaurant, business continues to plod along, without beer or wine as they search for a possible buyer.

• After 46-year run, Pepitos in south Minneapolis could close following string of hardships [STRIB]
• After 46 Years In Mpls., Pepitos Mexican Restaurant Faces Closure [WCCO]
• Joe Minjares Go Fund Me page [WEB]
• Pepitos [FB]