"Address to be announced," reads a notice published on Sunshine's Facebook page. "We are selling the complete contents of this upscale, like-new Mexican restaurant located in the heart of the causeway! Do not miss this opportunity to bid and win on this last-minute sale and take advantage of great pricing!"
The "heart of the causeway" hint sent a tremor through the hearts of Fort Lauderdale restaurant diehards: Could this be the end of Carlos & Pepe's, an institution on SE 17th Street for nearly half a century?
A day later, the answer appears to be yes. Earlier today, the listing on Sunshine Auction Service's website was updated with the addition of "Carlos & Pepe's has closed its doors," along with the restaurant's address, 1302 SE 17th St., a scant few blocks east of Federal Highway. According to the listing, on Wednesday, July 17, the restaurant's dining room furniture, stainless steel cooking appliances, cookware, silverware, blue-rimmed glass cups, and more are being put up for auction to the highest bidder.
Hours later, a source with knowledge of the property's ownership and lease agreements confirmed the news: Carlos & Pepe's has closed for good.
A laminated paper that reads "Closed for HVAC maintenance" is taped onto the front door of legendary Mexican restaurant Carlos & Pepe's in Fort Lauderdale.
Photo by Michael Mayo
Since July 2023, the restaurant has been owned and operated by seasoned restaurateur Paula Ehmke and her husband, Richard Ehmke. The restaurant temporarily closed to undergo a significant renovation in the summer of 2023 and reopened to the public on October 19, 2023.
On Wednesday, July 17, Paula took to Instagram to confirm the news of Carlos & Pepe's closing. The caption reads, in part, "I’m writing to share some updates regarding our recent developments. After conducting estimates for HVAC replacements on several units and engaging in discussions with our landlord, we’ve unfortunately been unable to reach a financial agreement. As a result, we must sadly announce that Carlos & Pepe’s on 17th Street will be permanently closing its doors."
Her statement includes a message to the restaurant's patrons, some who have dined at the restaurant for decades. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our staff members, regular guests, visitors, and supporters who have made the past year a memorable one," she says. "We’ve strived to honor the legacy of Carlos & Pepe’s by serving some of your favorite dishes and recipes. It’s been a source of pride for us to bring joy to many families by restoring a place that holds a special place in their hearts. We’ve heard countless stories from guests about their long-standing connection to Carlos & Pepe’s."
Although longtime fans and customers immediately took to the comments to express their sympathy and disappointment, Paula confirmed some good news: Carlo's and Pepe's will continue to operate as a food truck, Carlos and Pepe's on Wheels, which has been operating over the past year. The food truck will serve "beloved C&P favorites," she confirms, and can be ordered for takeout or delivery.
Opened in 1979, the venerable Mexican restaurant was a Fort Lauderdale staple for nearly half a century and inarguably was part of the fabric of the neighborhood.
"That’s sad to hear," original Carlos & Pepe's cofounder Burt Rapoport posted on the Let's Eat, South Florida Facebook group when rumors began circulating about the restaurant's future. "Carlos and Pepe's was created by Dave Alderman, Dennis Max, Carlos Pugliese, and me in 1978! Me, Dennis, and Carlos moved here from southern California to open it, but Dennis and I couldn’t get along with Dave, so, we exited, never thinking it would be so successful for so long!"
Other comments tend to be along the lines of "Wow! Crazy! This has been a neighborhood staple for years!" and "Wow, definitely a staple in Fort Lauderdale. Many work Christmas parties there when I was younger."
Carlos & Pepe's longtime owner and manager, Roberto Martinez, had been at the restaurant since its inception when he came aboard at age as a busboy. In June 2023, in his 60s, he left the restaurant and announced his retirement, according to the Sun Sentinel. In an act of solidarity, his business partners, John and Sandy Benz, retired as well.
