Alejandra’s Restaurant Reopens in Downtown Visalia After Fire

BREAKING: Alejandra’s Mexican restaurant in Downtown Visalia has officially reopened its doors after a devastating fire forced it to close for over three years. The restaurant, which has been a beloved local staple, is back in business as of this week, welcoming eager customers once again.

The fire, started by a man who admitted to igniting a dumpster nearby, wreaked havoc on several businesses, including Alejandra’s. The flames engulfed not only the restaurant but also affected Décor to Adore and Jimmy John’s, leaving a trail of ash and debris.

Now, Saul Altamirano, General Manager of Alejandra’s, reports that the bustling eatery is experiencing a surge of customers. “It feels great; the staff and I have all been anxious to return to the community, and everyone is pretty pumped,” Altamirano stated. Since reopening, the restaurant has seen hundreds of patrons walk through its doors.

Returning customers like Geraldine Cole, who has been a loyal patron since 2008, expressed their excitement. “It’s exactly what we expected—coming in to get our chips and salsa,” she said. Geraldine and her colleagues, who work across the street, had long waited for Alejandra’s return, looking out their window for signs of life at the restaurant.

The newly rebuilt Alejandra’s boasts an improved layout, now accommodating around 200 people. The bar space has tripled and now seats 24, while the patio features five new tables and booths that fit six instead of four. Despite the destruction, the restaurant has grown by about 20%, rising literally from the ashes.

“Once you reflect on it, maybe things happen for the better,” Altamirano noted, emphasizing the restaurant’s expanded capacity to serve the community. The grand reopening is set for this upcoming Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The community is invited to join in the celebration.

Alejandra’s will operate from 9 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 9 AM to 9 PM on Sundays. For the latest updates and information about the restaurant, visit their social media platforms.

This reopening marks not just a return to normalcy for Alejandra’s but also a significant moment for the entire Downtown Visalia community, reigniting the spirit of togetherness that the restaurant has long represented.