The aroma of tortillas and sizzling fajita plates will once again waft through Anaheim Hills as Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill sets to reopen its doors. The 48-year-old restaurant is returning with a completely renovated look and a newfound sense of gratitude, starting with a party honoring area firefighters who contained a minor blaze in 2024.
The reopening date is set for Monday, Oct. 6, but the Fraser family and its third-generation owners have kicked things off with several soft openings, one of which was dedicated entirely to the first responders.
“We started in April and should be ready to open on October 6,” said co-owner Rod Fraser, a third-generation owner who took over the family business in 2022. “We’re going to do three soft openings: one for first responders, the second for VIP and shareholders and the third for the general public.” (A small fire broke out a year earlier when a person lit ablaze a paper towel holder in the restroom on March 2, 2024.)
The Anaheim Hills restaurant’s overhaul is the first of Rodrigo’s to receive such a comprehensive makeover. “We have a business that’s been in business over 50 years, and this building has been around for 50 years and it looks like it’s been in business for 50 years,” he said, “so we definitely needed to update it.”
ALSO READ: With renovation nearly complete, Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill in Anaheim Hills eyes reopening date
As for the new looks, it’s contemporary all the way. “We had an idea. We worked with a designer, Brigid Marrett, who really brought it to life,” said Fraser, who also tapped Kobra Design and Platinum Construction for the redesign. The space’s new look dramatically updates the venue, adding new windows throughout the restaurant, a feature the old version lacked. “We did a complete exterior and interior remodel, added a patio that features a bar window that’s around 30 feet long so it’s completely open air,” he added.
Roderick and Patricia Fraser opened Don José Mexican restaurant in Orange in July 1972, adding six more locations — including Anaheim Hills — over the next six years. The chain currently includes 10 locations in Orange, Riverside and San Berardino counties. The family’s legacy of service-industry entrepreneurship includes the landmark Rod’s Liquor Store, which operated for 70 years in Old Towne Orange.
The Frasers rebranded the business as Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill in 2017 as a tribute to their late patriarch, Roderick.
Rod Fraser sees his role as more than just running a business; he’s also upholding a dynasty. “I’m part of the third generation,” he said. “The company’s called Rodrigo’s Mexican, after my grandfather. I’m the third Rod, so my grandfather, my dad, me, all the same name. So, that’s where the name came from. It’s a tribute to my grandfather.”
The family’s commitment has created a strong workplace culture, according to Rod Fraser, which has resulted in generations of employees. “We have lots of employees who have been with us for decades,” he noted. “In the past year, we have had two managers retire, one at 45 years and one at 50 years.”
ALSO READ: Best of Orange County 2025: Best Mexican restaurant
Fraser, who was raised in Tustin and grew up in the family business, acknowledged the challenges of the current restaurant landscape as well. “It’s always a struggle,” he admitted. “Restaurant margins aren’t that big, and with everything involving labor going up every year, there’s definitely challenges. It’s important to keep evolving.”
For now, the focus is squarely on the revamped Anaheim Hills location, helping ensure the third generation continues its half-century tradition of serving Orange County.
Anaheim Hills had its last day of service on Sunday, March 30.
Find it: 5665 E Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim