Gilberto’s Lounge, a mainstay dive bar along Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, California, since the late 1960s, changed hands and now is Mustang Sally’s, according to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
Longtime owner Ken Gilbert was supposed to have sold his business more than a year ago, but the sale fell through. The bar kept operating until 36-year-old Chyvonne Anchondo, who came to Gilberto’s when she turned 21, bought the place.
In addition to renovations, Anchondo has other things planned:
Anchondo said she is going to activate the kitchen for the first time in perhaps three decades, with a full menu of Mexican and American food from family recipes, including handmade tortillas. A walk-up window for food service is planned. […]
She said she had been looking for a new business opportunity when Gilberto’s came along. At first she didn’t think it was for her, but in the back of her mind, ideas were forming. After two weeks of that, suddenly she could envision what she would do with the place.
Her husband was on board. Anchondo bought the business and its liquor license, which she believes is the oldest in the city, and took possession on Oct. 13.
“It’s a dream, having a place on Route 66,” Anchondo said. “Not too many people can say they own a bar on Route 66.”
Anchondo, who owns another Mustang Sally’s in the region, said she wants to make it an “upgraded” dive bar. A grand opening is planned for February.
Meanwhile, 86-year-old Gilbert, who owned the place since 1968, will drop by the revamped place once a week for a drink.
(Image of Mustang Sally’s logo via Facebook)
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