SAN DIEGO — After 44 years, a popular family-owned Mexican restaurant in San Diego County will be closing its doors at the end of December.
The original Tio Leo’s on Mission Gorge Road will be serving its final meals on New Year’s Eve.
Nightclub owner Leo Scuito opened the well-known restaurant in 1979. Keeping it in the family, his son, Frank, started working there years ago.
"It's where I cut my teeth and got started. My Dad gave me the opportunity to learn the business and he gave me a chance to learn everything," said Frank.
Leo died at 91 years old in 2020. But his legacy will live on.
"We all decided as a family that it was time to sell property and business," said Frank.
Many people showed up to Tio Leo’s on Monday even though it is closed regularly that day.
"I was looking forward to Mexican food today!," said loyal customers, Marilyn and Bob Schmalfeldt. "Not good! Where are we going to go for our favorite Mexican food? There are a lot of Mexican places, but this was our very favorite!"
"Sad! Empty! We like coming here!" said customers, Irene and Albert Hobbs.
These loyal customers say Tio Leo’s has great food and the best service in town.
"I left my credit card here and my waitress drove it to Spring Valley and brought it to me; now that is above and beyond!," said Irene.
"They have the best ground beef burrito. They are the best and the service is wonderful. The food is great and great people," said Marilyn.
Don’t worry you can still get your Tio Leo’s fix. Frank helps run the one with live music on Napa Street in the Linda Vista/Bay Park area. He now has handed the reigns to his son, Leonard, named after his Grandpa.
Frank’s brother Joe is in charge at the Tio Leo’s Cantina in Poway which will also remain open.
"They are going to be missed. I'm glad they are not closing the other ones," said Irene.
"We wish them good luck, but we are going to miss them," said Marilyn.
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