Challenges and Legacy of Olvera Street’s Iconic Businesses

In April, a troubling incident unfolded at Cielito Lindo, a longstanding Mexican American restaurant on Olvera Street. Liliana Robertson, the manager, discovered that employees were allegedly skimming cash from the business. Reports indicated as much as $600 per shift was missing, leading to the termination of several employees. Faced with staffing shortages and electrical issues, Robertson and her cousins decided to temporarily close the restaurant on May 12.

Cielito Lindo holds historical significance, located on the site where Los Angeles was founded in 1781. It was established in 1937 by Robertson’s great-grandmother, Aurora Guerrero, and is famed for taquitos with avocado salsa. However, declining foot traffic and rising costs have placed it among several struggling Mexican-owned businesses on Olvera Street.

Olvera Street, once a bustling hub, now experiences quieter days. Stalls selling Mexican crafts and souvenirs often sit empty. This quietness contrasts with the vibrant atmosphere envisioned by Christine Sterling in the 1920s. Sterling was instrumental in transforming the dilapidated alley into a center celebrating Spanish and Mexican culture in 1929. Since then, Olvera Street became a haven for local artisans and a tourist attraction.

Despite its history, modern challenges persist. The area now sees a fraction of its previous annual visitors, dropping from 1 to 2 million to 300,000 to 500,000 visitors. Long-standing businesses like La Golondrina have closed, grappling with financial woes such as back rent. Concerns extend to safety issues related to the homeless population nearby.

Business owners, including Robertson, struggle to maintain their cultural and family legacies. They’ve initiated fundraising efforts, such as a GoFundMe campaign, to address these setbacks. Meanwhile, Cielito Lindo provides takeout orders from an alternate location due to ongoing repairs.

Efforts to reinvigorate Olvera Street are underway. Domenika Lynch, the general manager, plans to enhance safety and cleanliness while organizing cultural events like El Pueblo de Los Angeles Heritage Festival during the World Cup. Such initiatives aim to boost visibility and draw visitors back to this historic site.

Business owners also collaborate with local authorities to improve security. They remain hopeful that awareness and storytelling about their legacy will remind people to visit Olvera Street. This approach, they believe, is essential for the survival of these cultural landmarks.