After 35 years in business, La Fonda Latino Grill owners Herbert and Beatriz Delgado have decided to retire from the restaurant scene leaving fond memories and many fans to get one last taste of their take on Colombian food.

The original business opened at 4758 N. Clark in Andersonville. However, In 2001 they saw an opportunity to moved to their current location at 5350 N. Broadway in Edgewater. At the time, that section of Broadway had much less business and they took a gamble on the move. Since then, the area has blossomed and so did La Fonda’s reputation which earned praise from many publications including Chicago Magazine and the New York Times.

Operating as a family business serving authentic Latin specialties, Herbert learned much of his skills from his mother and he eventually studied at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago. However, after more than three decades the Delgado’s children have grown and it is time for them to move on.

“We have a lot of good memories,” said Beatriz. “We met so many beautiful people here and learned many things from them also. Edgewater is a good neighborhood and we have enjoyed it a lot.”

The last day of business for La Fonda Latino Grill will be September 23. They are planning a farewell party on September 2 at 5 p.m. that will include appetizers, drinks and live music for $15 per person.

On October 1 Pizzeria Aroma at 1125 W. Berwyn will officially take over the La Fonda space. The move will allow them to seat three times as many people as well as offer patrons a full bar. The pizzeria is hoping to open at the new location by year end.