Colorful Mexican restaurant The Whole Enchilada plans to close at the end of the month after over 40 years in Moss Landing, the restaurant shared on Instagram. A popular landmark on Highway 1, the restaurant is known for its festive atmosphere, live music, seafood enchiladas and margaritas. 

The closure announcement elicited an outpouring of love and support from customers on social media, sharing memories of eating there after camping on the beach, going on dates with their now-spouses and their kids’ love for co-founder Ray Retez.

Retez died in November 2023 at the age of 93. He was known as the unofficial “Mayor of Moss Landing” and was a fixture at the restaurant, greeting customers and handing out lottery tickets, according to the Monterey Herald. 

“You could find him there every day visiting with customers, giving star shaped sunglasses and mermaids to the children and passing out his famous lotto tickets to everyone who came through the door,” read Retez’s obituary. 

Retez and his wife Jan Retez bought the Moss Landing Inn in 1979, and eventually converted the gas station next door into The Whole Enchilada Restaurant with friend Denis Keith. They officially opened the restaurant in 1981, according to the Monterey Herald.

Luis Solano, Retez’s son-in-law who took over The Whole Enchilada following Retez’s death, is retiring from his role as the restaurant’s chef and manager, according to Monterey County Weekly.

The Whole Enchilada plans to permanently close after its last day of service on Jan. 31.