Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant To Close After More Than Four Decades In Roseburg
Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant in Roseburg will permanently close May 15 after more than four decades in business. The Duarte family announced that Gilberto Sr. is retiring, marking the end of a longtime local family restaurant on NE Stephens Street.
ROSEBURG, Ore. — After more than four decades in business, Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant in Roseburg is preparing to close.
The Duarte family announced on Facebook that the restaurant will close permanently on May 15. The family said Gilberto Sr. is retiring, with his son, Gilbert Jr., by his side.
“After 42 wonderful years, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the permanent closure of Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant on May 15,” the family’s announcement said. “Gilberto Sr. will be embarking on a well-deserved retirement, with his son, Gilbert Jr. by his side. Thank you for your support over the years.”
The restaurant is located at 1347 NE Stephens St. and has been part of Roseburg’s dining scene since the early 1980s.
According to Experience Roseburg, owner and chef Gilberto Duarte is from Michoacán, Mexico, and began his first restaurant in 1983 with cousins in Salem before Gilberto’s became established in Roseburg.
Over the years, Gilberto’s built a following for its Mexican food, handmade tortillas, margaritas, family recipes, and casual sit-down atmosphere. Public restaurant listings and customer reviews often mention the restaurant’s chips and salsa, fajitas, burritos, menudo, quesadillas, nachos, generous portions, and friendly service.
The restaurant also received attention during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, KPIC reported that Gilberto’s had begun allowing customers to dine on its patio while restaurants were navigating changing state restrictions. Gilbert Duarte, identified in that report as a co-owner, said the restaurant was using disposable ware, taking orders at the front counter or outside, and operating with a lighter menu.
For many local customers, Gilberto’s has been more than a place to eat. It has been a familiar stop for family meals, celebrations, lunch breaks, and regular visits over the years.
No replacement business or future use for the building has been publicly announced.
Gilberto’s Mexican Restaurant is expected to remain open through May 15.
The Roseburg Receiver reached out to Gilbert Duarte for comment. A response had not been received by publication time. This article will be updated if there is a reply.
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