Iconic Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant Receives Overwhelming Community Support to Stay Open After Threat of Closing

Customers wait for up to an hour to dine at Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant for the last time as the eatery had plan to close over the weekend. (Credit: Mike Torres III)

SAN ANTONIO, TX — San Antonio’s beloved Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant, affectionately known as the “Tejano Hard Rock Cafe” due to its walls adorned with Tejano music memorabilia, has been given a lifeline by the overwhelming support of its loyal community. After facing the threat of closing its doors last weekend, second-generation owner Ashley Rodriguez, the granddaughter of Tejano music legend Gilbert Rodriguez, announced that the restaurant will stay open a little while longer, thanks to the outpouring of love and assistance from local patrons.

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In an emotional video shared on social media, Ashley thanked the community for their incredible response to the restaurant’s plight. “I just want to thank everybody, thank the whole community because y’all came through,” she said. “You showed up, you showed out, and I couldn’t thank y’all more for everything you did this weekend.” The restaurant reached its financial goal through generous donations and support, but Ashley emphasized that the work is far from over.

“I need y’all’s help. We reached our goal, but I can’t stop there,” Ashley said, stressing the importance of continued community backing. “We have to continue not just supporting us, but supporting mom-and-pop shops. Don’t forget about Gilbert’s. I don’t want to end up in this situation again.”

Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant, which opened in 1982, has been a staple of San Antonio’s culinary and cultural scene. Known for its flavorful Tex-Mex dishes — like the signature Javi’s Special, carne guisada enchiladas — and as a shrine to the Tejano music legacy including Gilbert Rodriguez and his band, The Blue Notes, the restaurant has become a beloved hub for food lovers and Tejano music fans alike. For many, Gilbert’s is more than just a place to eat – it’s a space where treasured memories are made and where family and tradition run deep.

Ashley shared that the support from not just San Antonio but from places as far as Houston, Dallas, and beyond has been overwhelming. The phone lines were flooded with calls from people asking how they could help, whether by volunteering their time, spreading the word, or contributing financially to a GoFundMe campaign. “We’re still open, and we can continue to be open thanks to all of you who’ve helped,” she said. “But we need more, and we need to keep this going.”

In the video, Ashley also praised the dedication of her staff, many of whom were exhausted from the stressful situation but remained committed to the restaurant and its patrons. “This is for my staff, my family, and everyone who loves Gilbert’s,” she said.

For those who want to continue supporting the iconic restaurant, Ashley encouraged people to dine in, take food to go, or donate to the GoFundMe campaign to ensure that Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant remains a fixture in the community for years to come.

As Gilbert’s Mexican Restaurant enters this new chapter, the Rodriguez family and staff express their gratitude and continue to invite everyone to come by and experience the warm hospitality and delicious meals that have made the restaurant a true San Antonio institution.

To help Gilbert’s stay open, visit their GoFundMe page or stop by the restaurant for a meal to support a piece of San Antonio’s rich history.

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