Pedro’s Mexican Food Secures Historic Recommendation Thanks to Community Support

Reporter: Baylie Mankee

PHOENIX – A local Sunnyslope community restaurant was considered for protection from demolition in a city proposal to expand historic preservation in rapidly developing neighborhoods.

The City of Phoenix Planning Commission and community members discussed a proposal to apply a historic preservation overlay to a former restaurant property known as Pedro’s Mexican Food on Sept. 4 at a public meeting in City Hall.

The proposal was part of the Phoenix Historic Preservation Commission’s updated PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 plan, a long-term strategy for protecting historic sites and structures. Under historic overlays, demolition is not permitted without city review, and future renovations must maintain the building's cultural and historic character.

One of Sunnyslope's first commercial restaurant developments, Pedro’s Mexican Food, opened in 1960 and was owned by Frank Guglielmo and family. According to City Planner Kevin Weight, the restaurant was active in the community through sponsoring Little League teams, soap box derby competitions, and Sunnyslope High School’s yearbook.

“There is a very strong connection between the family business and the Sunnyslope community,” Weight said. “It was an important part of Sunnyslope for over two decades.”

However, the motion to recommend the overlay was not initially supported by several members of the council. According to Planning Commission Member Ryan Boyd, the area where Pedro’s Mexican Food is located is too important for economic growth to be considered for historic preservation. 

“We’re talking about the Hatcher Business Project, a program where everything is trying to be developed to bring in additional resources. To lock that property the way it's situated right now just restricts any further use in that,” Boyd said.

Others disagreed with the claim that Pedro’s Mexican Food would hinder growth. President of the Sunnyslope Historical Society Julia Taggart emphasized the community impact the restaurant had on Sunnyslope and why it’s crucial to protect historical landmarks in the midst of redevelopment. 

“I can understand how you guys don't see the value, but people driving by remember it as Pedro’s,” Taggart said. “It is a huge part of Sunnyslope, so I hope you guys approve this.”

Taggart said there are over 600 comments on social media about how much Pedro’s meant to the community.

Since its creation in 1986, the Phoenix Historic Property Register has grown to include 36 residential historic districts, nine nonresidential historic districts, and 232 individual properties. The number is only increasing as years go by, with plans such as PreserveHistoricPHX 2025 helping the process move forward. 

Pedro’s designation represents a growing shift in the city of Phoenix towards protecting historical landmarks, particularly in areas like Sunnyslope that have been overlooked in citywide preservation efforts. 

“I did a survey of my own for Sunnyslope,” Taggart said. “We only have four mid-modern century commercial buildings.”

Despite some hesitation, the Planning Commission ultimately voted 4-2 in favor of recommending the historic overlay designation. Several other establishments were also protected, such as Roosevelt Park Grocery and Sunnyslope Presbyterian Church (now Franklin Phonetic School).

The Planning Commission’s recommendation now moves to the City Council for final review and potential adoption, including a public hearing that is yet to be scheduled. 

Photo courtesy of the Guglielmo Family