Fire Seriously Damages Casa Sanchez, a Longstanding Mexican Restaurant in Long Beach

An early morning fire on November 13, 2025, inflicted significant damage on Casa Sanchez, a cherished Mexican restaurant in East Long Beach.

The blaze erupted around 6:50 a.m. at the corner of East Anaheim Street and Termino Avenue, according to the Long Beach Fire Department.

Owner Tony Aguirre was alerted by an early-arriving employee who discovered the fire. A neighbor's photo showed the back half of the restaurant engulfed in flames.

Firefighters responded swiftly, containing the fire within 20 minutes. The office and bathroom at the southeast portion of the building were destroyed, and the outdoor patio's awning was damaged. Fortunately, the dining area and kitchen remained largely intact.

Established in 1975 by Aguirre's uncle, Casa Sanchez has been a cornerstone of the community, renowned for its Sonoran-style dishes like wet burritos, nachos, and carne asada. The restaurant has expanded to two other locations: one on East Pacific Coast Highway near Rose Avenue and another in Garden Grove called Los Sanchez Restaurant.

Aguirre, who began working at the original location in 1981 and now owns the chain, has received an outpouring of support from longtime patrons. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and the timeline for reopening remains uncertain. Aguirre expressed hope, stating, "If God wants, we'll build another restaurant, a better one."

This incident recalls the resilience of the East Anaheim Street community. In November 2024, the East Anaheim Plaza, located at 705 E. Anaheim St., celebrated its grand reopening after a devastating fire in December 2022. The revitalized plaza now serves as a hub for essential services and economic opportunity, particularly for residents of Cambodia Town and surrounding neighborhoods.

The community's response to the Casa Sanchez fire reflects a similar spirit of solidarity. As Aguirre navigates the path to rebuilding, the support from patrons and neighbors underscores the restaurant's integral role in Long Beach's cultural and culinary landscape.