Mike Maloney of Ray’s Metal Depot made quick progress demolishing Coronado’s Mexican Restaurant Wednesday morning. Owners of A&W Restaurant have purchased the property; plans are to convert it into a parking lot for the restaurant with ample space for buses and larger vehicles.
Coronado’s Mexican Restaurant was established in 1968 by the late Cleto Cororando and his wife, Celia. The restaurant, which specialized in serving “Mexi-Kan” fare, spanned two generations. Cleto Jr. worked at Coronado’s from 1982 until the restaurant’s closure. Cleto Sr. passed away in 2011, Celia died the year after. 
The couple founded the restaurant while Cleto worked at Monarch Cement; he retired from Monarch in 1989. Family lore says Celia convinced her husband to open the restaurant because she wanted to work. They were married 51 years.
The building was first owned by Charles and Lily Middleton, who established Middleton Market. Charles previously worked at Pet Milk for 27 years and met his wife on his milk route. Together, they operated the grocery store and gas station for 14 years, stopping once Charles’ polio condition worsened.
Jim and Teresa Gribble, who are part of A&W’s ownership, were on hand Wednesday morning to witness the building’s demolition. Teresa’s first job was waiting tables at Coronado’s. She and Jim expressed their appreciation and thanks to the Coronado family, and to Cleto Jr. particularly.
