MOSS LANDING – In just under two weeks, one of the most recognizable and popular restaurants to grace Highway 1 in Moss Landing is closing its doors, bringing an end to a family business after about 45 years.
The Whole Enchilada restaurant said goodbye to its co-founder Ray Retez in November when he died at the age of 93, and now the popular eating establishment is set to close its doors by the end of the month.
In 1979 Retez and his wife Janice bought the Moss Landing Inn next to an existing gas station along the two-lane highway. The business grew and when the station location was put up for sale, the couple bought it, renovated the property and opened The Whole Enchilada Restaurant, along with close friend Denis Keith, in 1981.
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The Retez family brought a colorful, Mexican-inspired ambiance and menu to what would become a roadside landmark offering diners indoor and outdoor dining experiences. Over time, the food would evolve to include the flavors of Mexico, Spain and Italy, and son-in-law Luis Solano, who will be retiring, would step in as manager and executive chef.
Solano is husband of Retez daughter Kim, who is the owner and chef of nearby Haute Enchilada Cafe, Gallery and Social Club, in Moss Landing.
Retez was known to be a fixture at The Whole Enchilada as he would personally greet patrons and hand out lottery tickets. He would become regarded as the unofficial “Mayor of Moss Landing,” and famous for his hearty smile and warm hospitality.
An article about the Whole Enchilada restaurant in the Monterey Herald from a few years back said in part, “So let’s get to what it’s all about: Mexican cuisine in an atmosphere of festive charm, live music, a host who gives you lottery tickets and wild sunglasses and poses for photos, a charming harbor town. It’s about a whole array of margaritas, of course, and crab and shrimp, in salads, soups, enchiladas, tostadas …”
Last summer, “Ray Day” was observed at the Haute Enchilada in honor of Retez. In its announcement of the event, the invitation said “an enduring phrase from the 1960s, ‘the whole enchilada’ means ‘absolutely everything,’ which is exactly what Ray has given to his community.”
“He made everyone feel special,” said his obituary. “He was predeceased in death by his beloved wife Jan Retez, son Ray Retez Jr. and sister Talia Retez.”
The Whole Enchilada will close permanently after the last day of service on Jan. 31.
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