La Familia restaurant, which opened in November 2024 in the former Tio Leo's location on Mission Gorge Road, has ceased operations without public explanation. As of this week, La Familia’s phone line is disconnected, and its once-active social media accounts have been taken offline. No closure announcement has been made, and efforts to contact ownership for comment have been unsuccessful.
The sudden closure comes just two months after the restaurant was temporarily shut down by the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality. On March 6, the department issued a closure order citing multiple violations, including major issues related to vermin, improper food holding temperatures, and lack of proper warewashing facilities. Additional infractions included unclean nonfood contact surfaces and the improper storage and use of equipment and utensils. The restaurant was later permitted to reopen, but the health inspection report raised concerns about the overall management of the facility.
La Familia had been billed as a bold reinvention by the team behind Salud Tacos, a beloved brand that once operated popular locations in Barrio Logan, Las Vegas, and National City. Salud's original Barrio Logan location closed in 2024 following lease negotiation issues, which co-owner Vincent “Vinny” Becerra previously described as a blessing in disguise. La Familia was intended as a fresh start for the founders—Becerra, his father Ernest, and Angelina Luna.
Occupying the 5,766-square-foot space long held by Tio Leo’s, which closed in late 2023 after more than 40 years, La Familia blended Salud-style street tacos with classic Mexican entrées, craft cocktails, and a lively bar lounge atmosphere. Weekend brunch, happy hour specials, and a curated vinyl soundtrack were central to its appeal, as the owners aimed to create a new community gathering spot rooted in family and cultural nostalgia.
The launch of the restaurant was supported in part by Accessity, a San Diego-based nonprofit that helps fund small businesses. According to statements from organization made to other news outlets, La Familia was referred through their network and was able to access capital through one of Accessity's small business loan programs. "They were able to get connected with us and access capital," said Juliette Terramin of Accessity, which provides loans up to $150,000 to help startups and existing businesses grow. The nonprofit described the effort as part of a broader mission to strengthen the region’s small business ecosystem.
Despite the initial excitement, expanded menu offerings, and community-focused vision, the restaurant’s short lifespan and lack of communication surrounding its closure have left patrons and supporters surprised and disappointed. The closure also marks another chapter in the rocky business trajectory of the Becerra family's ventures, which began with Salud Tacos' rise in Barrio Logan nearly a decade ago.
La Familia had been located at 6333 Mission Gorge Road in San Diego’s Mission Gorge neighborhood. It is currently unclear whether a new tenant has been secured for the space.
Originally published on May 9, 2025.
