La Frontera, located at 3 Russell Ave in Gaithersburg, will reopen on Wednesday, December 4, after being forced to close due to a fire during an arson spree last September. To celebrate its return, the restaurant is offering 10% off all dine-in and carry-out orders throughout December.
“Our family has been in business since 1993, and this was the first time in 30 years that we had to close,” said a representative for La Frontera. “My parents are immigrants from El Salvador who fled during the civil war in the 1980s. We were one of the first Salvadoran restaurants in the county and were honored to win an award for serving the best pupusas in Montgomery County. Today marks our first day back in business since September 17, 2023.”
Neighboring businesses impacted by the fires are also preparing to reopen. Dinora’s Hair Design will reopen on Saturday, December 7, at noon, and Taco Bar is expected to reopen next month.
The fires on September 17, 2023, caused significant damage to the Holbrook Center and surrounding areas. Fernando J. Herrera-Rivera, 23, of Gaithersburg, was charged with six counts of second-degree arson for the fires, which included vehicles and businesses. Damage from the incidents was estimated at $1.25 million. Herrera-Rivera remains in custody without bond.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) reported that 75 firefighters responded to the fires, which occurred across multiple locations, including La Frontera, Taco Bar, and near the Gaithersburg Police Department.
