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For over 15 years, Cristina Ardon welcomed diners into El Guanaco not only with food but with a sense of home.
Last week, the Salvadoran-born chef and co-owner of the Oakland Park restaurant died after a sudden illness, leaving behind a close-knit staff, a loyal clientele, and a community grappling with the loss.
El Guanaco photo
Ardon began working in restaurants at just 17, starting as a cashier and quickly developing a deep love for hospitality. She spent more than a decade at California Pizza Kitchen, where she met her co-owner and fellow chef Rudi Lopez, before opening El Guanaco in Oakland Park in December 2010.
For more than fifteen years, her daily presence became an essential part of the dining experience.
While regulars often credit El Guanaco with serving some of the best pupusas in South Florida, Ardon’s impact extended far beyond the menu. Guests remember the lively atmosphere she cultivated and the genuine warmth she showed everyone who walked through the door.
El Guanaco photo
More Than Pupusas — A Restaurant Built on Relationships
El Guanaco reflects both Ardon’s Salvadoran roots and Lopez’s Mexican heritage. The two spent years juggling day jobs while running El Guanaco at night, continuing that demanding schedule until the restaurant became profitable enough for them to commit fully to the business.
From house-made pupusas, tacos, and burritos to the décor and welcoming back patio, El Guanaco became known as a place where guests felt immediately at ease. Many described dining there as feeling like visiting a relative’s home, a reflection of Ardon’s belief that food and hospitality should feel personal and inclusive.
That sense of connection extended to how Ardon ran the restaurant day to day. She knew regulars by name, formed close bonds with staff, and treated everyone who entered the space with care and familiarity.
Over time, El Guanaco grew into a neighborhood staple, valued as much for its energy and warmth as for its food.
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An Outpouring of Support
News of Ardon’s passing prompted an outpouring of support from longtime customers, fellow restaurateurs, and members of the South Florida dining community, many of whom shared memories and condolences in the days following the announcement.
According to a statement shared on social media and a GoFundMe page created prior to her death, Ardon fell ill suddenly, was hospitalized, and died shortly after. Her passing was announced on February 5, and the restaurant closed that day to allow staff time to grieve.
Hundreds of people shared condolences and personal memories online.
In a Facebook comment, Nicole Layog wrote, “This is so sad. She was amazing and brought that place to life. I remember when she first opened, with only three tables and one booth. For the last six years of traveling as a chef for work, El Guanaco is my first to-go or mobile order as soon as I arrive home.”
The GoFundMe, which was initially created to help cover medical expenses, has continued to receive support from the community following her passing. Funeral services and memorial details have since been announced by the family.
El Guanaco has reopened, and the family has encouraged continued patronage as a meaningful way to honor Ardon’s legacy.
El Guanaco. 31 NE 44th St., Oakland Park. (954) 351-0792 elguanacorestaurant.com.
