BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — After 70 years of delicious tacos and tamales, Bakersfield residents said farewell last year to cherished restaurant Sinaloa Mexican Food. Although they won't be able to enjoy all the restaurant had to offer anymore, locals can still experience a bit of Sinaloa thanks to the Kern County Museum.
Kern County Museum Executive Director Mike McCoy said the museum has purchased the famous Sinaloa sign. The sign is set to be displayed in the museum's Neon Courtyard exhibit.
The sign will go through a restoration process before it is added to the exhibit.
The original Sinaloa opened in May of 1948 as "Sinaloa Spanish Food" on 19th Street where Wool Growers is currently located. In 1957 the restaurant moved to the corner of 20th and P Street. Prior to the family purchasing the building, it was an orphanage called "The Kern County Children's Center."
Family member Sally Muñoz Santa Cruz said the reason the restaurant closed was because her brother passed away and the siblings, who grew up working in the restaurant together, said they wouldn't be able to do it without each other.
Residents can view the museum's Neon Courtyard starting Jan. 13 at 9 a.m.
