Green Chile Cantina faces an uphill battle after devastating fire

Two weeks have passed since a fire ravaged Green Chile Cantina in Mission Viejo, leaving owner Lina Esqueda grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy while also battling her ongoing health journey.

“It’s been hard for all of us,” said Esqueda. “We are just keeping our heads up and leaning on each other. Our focus is my health and leaving everything in God’s hands. Prayer is what gets us through.”

The Green Chile Cantina, which offers a blend of American and Mexican cuisine, had only been open for about five months before disaster struck. On the morning of Sunday, Jan. 21, Esqueda got a call that a fire had broken out in the kitchen and destroyed the restaurant.

The kitchen and prep kitchen were completely burned out, the ceiling in the pizza kitchen collapsed and there were six holes in the roof with the rest of the ceiling collapsing, Esqueda said. There was also water damage from a broken pipe in the kitchen, which leaked into the dining area.

The fire was knocked down in about 25 minutes and caused an estimated $400,000 in damage, Orange County Fire Authority Captian Greg Barta said at the time. Fire investigators told Esqueda the cause was likely electrical, but the investigation on the source is still ongoing, she said.

The restaurant, Esqueda said, is a total loss.

“They say that the rebuild is going to take at least a year,” said Esqueda. “We are not sure what the future holds, and we are still ironing out all of the details in regards to the building.”

“Everything is messed up and destroyed, it’s all going to have to be rebuilt.”

Due to the fire, Esqueda’s 27 employees have had to find other work or go on unemployment, she said.

Esqueda was already struggling to balance the demands of keeping her business operational while prioritizing her health needs at the time of the fire. Just days before Green Chile Cantina opened its doors for the first time in August, Esqueda was given a diagnosis of stage three follicular helper T-cell lymphoma.

Now, Esqueda has had to delay medical appointments because of the chaos of the fire’s aftermath.

Right after the fire occurred, Esqueda said her phone was “ringing off the hook” from her insurance adjuster, fire officials, news agencies and community members wanting updates. She’s also diabetic, and with her sugar levels so inconsistent of late, she’s had to push PET scans as well, she said.

“I have lots to take care of, and the stress has been so high,” said Esqueda. “I am trying to not overdo it and trying to get rest when I can.”

As she considers what’s next for her Mission Viejo restaurant, Esqueda says she needs to make her health a priority — and the community is rallying behind her.

A fundraiser organized by Esqueda’s family and friends had already been in the works to help Esqueda with her mounting medical bills. But after the fire, it turned into support for the restaurant as well.

“This fundraiser was just meant to be a small thing for the family,” said Valorie Green, a long-time friend and previous owner of the restaurant. “But it blew up with all the news around the fire.”

The event took place in the Green Chile Cantina parking lot on Saturday, Jan. 27. Community members donated gift baskets full of goodies and services to be raffled off or bid on while others sold drinks and food, all to benefit the Esquedas. Close to 50 classic cars and hot rods were also on display for attendees to view.

The city of Mission Viejo assisted with the fundraiser, providing traffic control and portable toilets.

The turnout was “huge and successful,” said Esqueda.

“Mission Viejo really showed up, and there was great community support,” said Esqueda. “Restaurant regulars showed up, and they were so supportive.”

Esqueda and her husband, Tony Esqueda, purchased the Mission Viejo location from Green earlier this year. Seeing this happen to the restaurant that was once hers has been “overwhelming,” Green said.

“It’s difficult for my husband and me since this has been our second home since January 2000,” said Valorie Green. “We were in there often, even after the Esquedas took over because we know many of the patrons. People are coming forward to give support, and it shows what a wonderful community Mission Viejo is and the goodness of people.”

A GoFundMe was created by the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce in the fire’s aftermath. Esqueda said all proceeds will go toward her medical costs as well as provide anywhere from nine to 12 months of income for the employees who are now out of work while the restaurant is being rebuilt.

As of Friday, Feb. 2, more than $7,200 has been raised for the fundraiser’s $25,000 goal.

Esqueda said the best way to support her business and family at this time is to visit Green Chile Cantina’s La Habra location, located at 2050 W Whittier Blvd., and try a stuffed sopaipilla.

Staff writer Mona Darwish contributed to this report.