Longtime Collinsville restaurant temporarily closes. They’re asking the community for help
Ramon’s El Dorado in Collinsville has temporarily closed.
The family-owned and operated restaurant posted on its Facebook page that they are currently closed due to the health issues of Carlos Otero Sr., without whom they “cannot continue to stay open or manage its many expenses.”
Otero and his family received news in April that his health is compromised, requiring surgery, according to the May 17 post.
“For the last several years, [Otero] has worked tirelessly to feed the community where he was raised and preserve the legacy that his father built. And like most small businesses, this one struggles to hold on,” stated the post.
“Despite the overwhelming number of obstacles Ramon’s has faced, Carlos Sr. has continued to work nearly every day to take care of his family, staff, community, and to keep this business alive. And he does it all while putting himself last.”
Now, the family is asking the community for help. A GoFundMe page was organized to raise money for Carlos Sr. and the business.
The fundraiser was created the same day as the Facebook announcement with a goal of raising $10,000. The page has already raised more than $28,000 so far.
The Otero family was not immediately available for comment.
Ramon’s El Dorado is located at 1711 Saint Louis Road in Collinsville.
The restaurant was founded in 1967 by Raymundo Otero. He and his wife Estella started the business by selling traditional Mexican food out of the family car.
Raymundo, who battled Alzheimer’s Disease, passed away in March 2016.
In 2018, his family founded “Give to Remember,” an annual fundraising event honoring the family’s patriarch and raising funds for Alzheimer’s research. The event is held in December to commemorate Raymundo’s birthday.
For more information about Ramon’s El Dorado and its history, visit ramonseldorado.com or the Facebook page.
