GoFundMe Campaign Launched To Assist Beloved San Diego Restaurant Las Cuatro Milpas With Outstanding Tax Debts

A GoFundMe campaign has been started to assist Las Cuatro Milpas, a beloved Mexican restaurant in San Diego's Barrio Logan, with tax debts that could threaten its future.

Launched by local real estate broker Nate Benedetto of Next Wave Commercial, the campaign aims to help the Estudillo family, who has operated Las Cuatro Milpas for 91 years, cover nearly $50,000 in overdue property taxes, along with an additional $16,000 in state sales taxes. Despite the family's recent public statements denying rumors of an impending closure, tax records first published by San Diego Union-Tribune revealed significant debt that, if left unresolved, could lead to a forced asset sale as soon as next year.

Benedetto's GoFundMe campaign seeks to provide financial relief for the restaurant, which remains deeply valued by the San Diego community. At the time of publication, the campaign has raised nearly $4,000 from 11 donors and was even shared by San Diego's iconic Casbah music venue. 

"Margarita Hernandez told the San Diego Union Tribune 'I'm getting sick and I'm getting older, but we're going to try to fix this. But if someone can help me -- I just need help from somebody," reads the GoFundMe. "LET'S BE THAT SOMEBODY!!! Support the small businesses and entrepreneurs that make this city incredible. If you've been, you know Las Cuatro Milpas is one of the most special places in Southern California. San Diego Union Tribune Article states they owe back taxes of $50,000.00."

The historic La Cuatro Milpas restaurant, known for its hand-rolled tortillas and authentic Mexican dishes, has been a fixture in Barrio Logan since 1933, drawing generations of loyal patrons. The support highlights the cultural importance of Las Cuatro Milpas, especially as pressures from gentrification and rising costs impact long-standing family businesses in the area.

For those who want to support Las Cuatro Milpas and contribute to the campaign, the GoFundMe page can be found here.

Originally published on October 25, 2024.