Family Behind El Sur Restaurant to Open Chela’s Latin Cuisine in 2024

The family behind El Sur Restaurant on 22nd Street — Luis Mejia Sr., Isela Mejia, Luis Mejia Jr., and Leonardo Mejia — will soon open a new concept in downtown Tucson at 256 E. Congress St.

Chela’s Latin Cuisine is expected to open in early 2024, sometime in February or March. The family also owns and operates the Ocean View Hotel and Restaurant which opened about a year ago in Roatan, Honduras.

“The menu will have similar recipes to El Sur, but the plating will be more upscale,” said Mejia Jr. “We are also bringing recipes, that are Latin Caribbean inspired, from our hotel and restaurant in Roatan.” The full menu has yet to be released but you can expect a few vegan options such as Tacos de Calabaza.

Chela’s Latin Cuisine will mainly focus on providing a dinner service but during the weekends, expect a brunch menu, too. Then, in the later hours of the evening, bring your dancin’ shoes because the restaurant will transform into a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights.

Overall, the family is excited to be opening the new spot downtown — an area they feel is important for the local culinary scene.

“Downtown Tucson is a hotspot,” Mejia Jr. added. “We’re excited to establish ourselves here as a staple for Latin Cuisine and nightlife!”

The spot used to house Elvira’s Restaurant before it closed during the 2020 pandemic (the beloved restaurant’s original location is still open in Tubac so pay a visit soon). With the absence of tasty food in that space, there’s a lot to look forward to with Chela’s arrival on the corner of Congress Street and Arizona Avenue.

Also, they’re currently hiring so submit your application online if you’re looking for something new.

Chela’s Latin Cuisine is located at 256 E. Congress St. For more information and to keep up with the latest, visit chelaslatincuisine.com and follow Chela’s on Instagram.