La Fonda Restaurant History

La Fonda, still in its original location since 1940, was established by the Hurtado Family. Severo Hurtado, originally from Phoenix area, was oriented in the Mexican food business from an early age. His parents owned a tamale factory, and it was from this factory that he gained an early knowledge of the food industry. After his marriage to Gloria, Hurtado relocated to Yuma where he and his wife operated a tortilla and tamale factory at 1095 S 3rd Avenue. This was the forerunner of the restaurant as it is known today.

La Fonda was later expanded to include a deli, selling burritos, tacos, tamales, and other fine Mexican food products over the counter.

Upon Mr. Hurtado's death, the business was carried on for several years by Gloria Hurtado, for whom the “Logo Lady” was designed to represent. She later sold the business to Frank and Connie Ramos in 1982.

Frank Ramos had originally begun working at La Fonda at the age of fourteen. Time went by, and more and more responsibility was given to Frank. As Mr. Hurtado recognized Frank's enthusiasm and potential, he began to teach Frank the food business and to pass on his famous recipes, several of which are on the market shelves today under well-known name brands.

Since the purchase of La Fonda, Frank and Connie Ramos have upgraded, remodeled, and expanded the business into a full-fledged restaurant serving a large variety of authentic Mexico foods. The Ramos family is carrying on the La Fonda tradition: authentic Mexican food of the highest quality.

The Spanish tradition of the word Fonda means “an inn with a relaxed atmosphere where relatives and friends can gather to eat”. We think you'll agree the name is appropriate for the business that has been proudly serving the Yuma area for over sixty years, adding to the history and culture of our city.