Carole and Wayne Wasylyk, owners of Jimbo’s Restaurant, a dining landmark in downtown Cape Coral, announced today that, after 35 years of continuous service, the restaurant will cease operations at the close of business Sunday, July 14.

In a press release announcing the closing, the Wasylyks note that Jimbo’s officially opened for food service in April 1978. In those days, Del Prado Boulevard was an out of the way road occasionally used as a landing strip to bring in potential home buyers to the area. From its inception, Jimbo’s became known for serving homemade American classic diner fare to the growing Cape Coral community.

The Wasylyks acquired the business in 1998 and added a 60-seat screened and covered patio and bar for dining service. In 2010, Jimbo’s became the “Home of 50 Burgers” when they expanded their regular menu to include over 50 variations of prime grade angus burgers.

With its closing, Jimbo’s becomes another fond memory in Cape Coral’s history.

In their announcement, the Wasylyks stated that the site will shortly become Monarca’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine Bar & Grill. They said the property at the corner of Del Prado and Southeast 46th Street has been leased to restaurateurs and high quality furniture makers whose origins are from the Mexican states of Michoacan and Jalisco. This area is recognized worldwide for superb tequila and a wonderful array of regional dishes and snacks. Now in the U.S., the new owners, headed by Guillermo Cuevas, wish to excel in offering authentic Mexican cuisine from both their regions and the classical dishes of the Republic of Mexico. The new owner’s mission is to create jobs in the U.S. for both local residents and professional chefs with specific regional expertise from Mexico.

The release states that Cuevas has indicated that, unlike typical similar chains in the U.S., Monarca’s will be open for breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, all using quality, fresh ingredients. A selection of American classic breakfasts will be offered as well as an exciting array of Mexican breakfast dishes not typically seen in the U.S. Cuevas also indicated that Monarca’s will also feature hand- made tortillas from scratch and guacamole made tableside with customer selected ingredients. In addition, Monarca’s will honor Jimbo’s burger legacy by offering burgers on the menu, many with exciting Mexican variations using prime angus beef.

Monarca’s grand opening is planned for early fall 2013.