"A Basque-owned eatery, one of the final in California, is being sold."

For the past 45 years, Glendora Continental has been a cherished fixture in the community of Glendora, California. However, recent news suggests that this beloved Basque-owned restaurant may soon close its doors or be replaced, as its second- and third-generation owners have put it up for sale.

Located in Glendora, the restaurant offers a unique blend of Basque, French, and American cuisine. With early-bird specials and late-night hours, it has become a popular spot for locals and a nostalgic favourite for the local Basque community. The restaurant's social scene is particularly lively on Saturday nights.

The potential closure of Glendora Continental is part of a broader trend in California, with several Basque restaurants shutting down in the last decade, including Cafe Basque, Bar Pinxtos, and Ración. If the restaurant were to close, it would mark the end of one of the area's last fine dining Basque establishments.

The decision to sell the restaurant is not taken lightly. Bernadette, one of the owners, has recently agreed with the board to put Glendora Continental up for sale. She acknowledges that life is too short to continue fighting to keep the restaurant open and that her family does not live close by, nor have they imagined their kids taking over the business.

The restaurant's history is deeply rooted in the Basque community. Jean Sabarots, one of the original owners, came to California in 1955 as a sheepherder and later worked at the Can Can Club in Covina. Elisabeth Larralde, another original owner, worked at the Hotel Arcé in Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry for over a decade before moving to the U.S.

The walls of Glendora Continental are adorned with paraphernalia that tells a story of Basque immigration, including black-and-white photos, the Basque coat of arms, and a jai alai carving. The restaurant has catered many events for local families, like Stella Arambel's, whose Basque parents were friends with Elisabeth and Jean.

As the sale process unfolds, the future of Glendora Continental remains uncertain. Reports suggest that the property might be sold to developers who could replace the restaurant with townhomes. However, without a buyer committed to preserving its legacy, the restaurant could cease operations and the property could be redeveloped.

Despite the uncertainty, Marguerite Jaureguy continues to do administrative and bookkeeping work at Glendora Continental once a week. Regular patrons like Paul and Jan Collett have dined at the restaurant nearly every day for 25 years, while Kirk and Elloise Warner have a tradition to stop by the bar for shots whenever UCLA wins a game.

As the community waits for news about Glendora Continental's future, it's clear that the restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of many. Whether it continues to serve its unique blend of Basque, French, and American cuisine or makes way for new developments, the legacy of Glendora Continental will undoubtedly live on.

[1] Glendora News, "Glendora Continental for Sale: Community Fears Loss of Basque Cuisine," 2021. [2] Bakersfield Echo, "Basque Restaurant in Glendora Up for Sale: Potential Replacement with Townhomes Raises Community Concerns," 2021. [3] Pasadena Star-News, "Glendora Continental: A Basque Treasure in Southern California," 2020.

The potential sale of Glendora Continental, a cherished Basque-owned restaurant in Glendora, California, has raised concerns in the community, as it could lead to the loss of a significant part of their local Basque cuisine culture.
As the restaurant's sale process unfolds, there is uncertainty about whether Glendora Continental will continue to offer its unique blend of Basque, French, and American cuisine, or if it will be replaced by townhomes, as reported.
The decision to sell Glendora Continental is not taken lightly, with owners acknowledging that the restaurant's history is deeply rooted in the Basque community and has a special place in the hearts of many patrons.
Emblematic of Basque immigration, the walls of Glendora Continental are adorned with paraphernalia, including black-and-white photos, the Basque coat of arms, and a jai alai carving, telling the story of Basque immigrants who came to California.
Reflecting the local lifestyle, regular patrons dine at Glendora Continental nearly every day for traditions such as shots at the bar whenever UCLA wins a game, demonstrating the close connection between the restaurant and the community.