The property owners of 722 N Pacific Ave in Glendale have tried to kick out the historic and beloved Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, in an effort to replace it with a proposed car wash that has already faced strong community and leadership opposition.  There was even a conflict of interest, since the developer, Alen Malekian, serves on the board that initially approved it.  

However, the property owners have publicly stated that Acapulco can absolutely return / stay and negotiate a new lease if the car wash proposal gets denied by the government, or if the prospective car wash tenant pulls out of their pending lease.  

Three official appeals have been submitted to the city, and are currently under review.  The Glendale City Council is also exploring zoning updates aimed at discouraging unfavorable development projects like this one.  

New drive-thru restaurants are increasingly being denied in cities because long idling lines contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and traffic congestion.  Drive-thru car washes create many of the same impacts — vehicles idling in queues, traffic backups onto public streets, and added environmental concerns — so they should be subject to the same scrutiny and limitations.  

•  Increased traffic and vehicle idling — Long car wash lines create congestion, spill onto public streets, and increase exhaust pollution.
•  Noise pollution — Vacuums, dryers, and constant vehicle movement generate sustained noise that impacts nearby residents and businesses.
•  Pedestrian and traffic safety concerns — Heavy vehicle circulation increases risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers entering or exiting the site.
•  Environmental impacts — Car washes consume large amounts of water and involve soaps, chemicals, and runoff concerns.
•  Reduced walkability and neighborhood character — Drive-through-oriented uses prioritize cars over people and can make commercial corridors less inviting and community-focused.
•  Loss of community-serving space — Replacing restaurants or gathering places with auto-oriented businesses reduces social and economic activity that benefits surrounding businesses and neighborhoods.

The question has been raised: “How do you boycott something that hasn’t been built yet?”  This would be a future boycott, if the project moves forward.  While we remain hopeful that the car wash proposal will ultimately be rejected, this petition also serves as an effort to organize a peaceful community boycott and public demonstrations if the project moves forward.  

SISTER PETITION: Save Acapulco in Glendale from Demolition  
  

 Photos by Tim Leaton