At the beginning of September, the Newtown-based business Mexicali Rose announced on Facebook it would be closing its doors for good on Sunday, September 21. The business belongs to the Hidalgos, a family that lives and breathes Newtown.

The owners, Marklin and Minerva, started the business in 1996. According to Minerva, the couple opened their doors on December 6, though Marklin thinks otherwise. The two raised their children, Dorian and Michael, in the restaurant.

The news that the famous Newtown spot would be closing came shortly after a car drove through the front window of the restaurant on Tuesday, August 26. Luckily, no one was in the restaurant at the time as they had not opened yet, but the family spent the day patching up the window with a few pieces of plywood to remain open for the next few weeks.

The decision to close was not an easy one, according to the family. As Minerva and Marklin both expressed, the restaurant had become their lives.

“I’m gonna miss everything that’s part of Mexicali,” Minerva said. “Everything! Cooking, meeting my friends, my [dear] friends, oh my gosh. They know my life … all those years that I [gave] my life here, this is my life!”

Marklin, who is Costa Rican, said he “grew” in the restaurant and, moreover, learned there. Minerva hails from Mexico, and her Costa Rican husband had to learn how to cook Mexican food for the restaurant.

“I am not Mexican, but I did learn from my wife. People, they say they love our food, so that makes us feel so happy,” Marklin shared.

His daughter, Dorian, jumped in to tease him, saying that he learned to eat spicy food over the years. Dorian is a familiar face to many customers from over the years as she held down the front of the house and took phone orders and waited on tables.

She shared that Mexicali Rose helped her develop her work ethic and overcome her social anxiety. She even met her partner while working, though Minerva claims she met him first and that is why the two started dating.

“I am going to miss the people … I’m going to miss seeing the people that have become my friends and being part of their daily routine,” Dorian said.

Minerva shared a moment of vulnerability. Part of the reason why Mexicali Rose is closing is due to Minerva’s health issues, which have started to take more time away from Marklin in the restaurant. Minerva worked for 25 years straight, only stopping in 2020 when her health began to take precedence over the restaurant. She explained all her doctors appointments and various surgeries she has had, and said that Marklin is her “doctor,” “friend,” “nurse.” She said he works so hard at the restaurant and then takes care of her at home, which she knows is a lot for him.

She said her health issues have made her “feel very lost.” However, with the restaurant closing, the family can now focus on taking care of Minerva and putting her health and needs first.

When asked about the next steps for the family, Marklin shared that he would like to visit his family in Costa Rica. They also shared that though the doors have closed, this will not be the end of Mexicali Rose. The family hopes to do something in the future, like writing a cookbook or doing a pop up event, to revive the family business so many Newtowners have grown to love.

“We have been a part of a lot of people’s lives in Newtown for a very long time,” Dorian said, “We’ve seen so many local families grow up.” She added that some residents she knew as children have come back with their licenses and that she even watched someone’s water break in the restaurant.

“I never felt like it was a business,” Minerva said. “It’s a family reunion every time, every day. So many stories. From my heart, I love, I love ‘em so much! I honestly tell you from my heart, I’m going to miss every single one,” she shared through tears.

The Hidalgos expressed deep thanks and immense gratitude to their customers and the residents of Newtown who have supported them over the years. Minerva said she wanted to explicitly thank the Russos, who helped the Hidalgos when they were down on their luck.

Minerva said she really appreciates everyone who has stopped in to say goodbye, adding that it has made the family so happy, kept them strong, and even helped them “live a little longer.”

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.