PORT HADLOCK — A former business partner said Thursday he would do anything he could to help keep Pedro’s Fiesta Jalisco open after the death of the owner, Pedro Arceo, on Wednesday.
Arceo, 34, died early Wednesday morning.
Restaurant employee Roberto Gomez said the business at 10893 Rhody Drive was open Thursday.
Jaime Bautista, owner of Fiesta Jalisco Mexican in Port Angeles and a former partner with Arceo, said he has been in touch with Arceo’s wife, Elena, and has offered his help in managing the restaurant.
“She needs some time to grieve, but I have already talked to her about what she wants to do with the restaurant,” Bautista said.
“It would be nice if she could have the restaurant to help provide for her kids.
“I have told her that I would do anything I can to help, but it will be her decision.”
Under investigation
The cause of death is under investigation and has not been determined, Jefferson County Sheriff Tony Hernandez said.
Prosecuting Attorney Scott Rosekrans, in his role as coroner, said an autopsy would be conducted.
Port Hadlock Fire and Rescue reported receiving a call at 3:42 a.m.
Emergency crews took Arceo to Jefferson Healthcare hospital in Port Townsend.
Hospital personnel Thursday would not disclose the time of death or whether Arceo was alive when he reached the hospital.
Bautista said Arceo was “a hard worker, a good father and a good friend.”
Arceo and Bautista opened the Port Angeles and Port Hadlock restaurants as partners until Arceo “decided he wanted to do it on his own,” Bautista said.
At top in polls
Pedro’s Fiesta Jalisco has consistently scored at the top of Peninsula Daily News’ reader polls for the past several years.
The restaurant was closed briefly last month because of an “emergency,” Arceo said Dec. 13.
A sign on the door said it had closed because of the economy, but that “was not true,” Arceo said.
In addition to his wife, Arceo is survived by three children, including a son who had his first birthday Thursday, according to Bautista.
Services are pending and will be announced later by Kosec Funeral Home in Port Townsend.
________
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
