Mr. Fish Taco is an icon in La Choya. It has been a favorite since it opened in the early 1980s, serving what many people say are the best fish and shrimp tacos in all of Puerto Peñasco, some say, in all the world.

So when the owners put the property up for sale, it looked like the end of the line for Mr. Fish. It would have been if Missy and Corey Gathman hadn’t had such a powerful love for Cholla Bay, and Mr. Fish Taco.

“I love Mr. Fish and didn’t want to see the property be developed into some new, big residence,” Corey said. “I wanted to keep it what it was, but I always thought they missed the point by putting the seating next to the road. The view is out the back at the beautiful bay, not up the street.”

Missy, who had been in the food service business, said, “It was always good food at very good prices.” But for her, the key was the staff. With recognizable excitement in her voice, she said, “We got to keep the girls!” She meant the women who had been delivering great tacos, quesadillas and burritos for years.

It took major new construction to upgrade the kitchen and seating area to take full advantage of the beautiful view Corey treasures.

The new kitchen went up quickly. To rev up excitement, it was decorated by muralist Salvador Garcia who added sea life murals and signage. They chose bright colors and put the icing on the cake by decorating the two water tanks on top of the roof as catsup and mustard bottles.

Not stopping with the structure, they added to the menu as well. One addition spurred a new name for the location. It’s now proudly known as CornDawg Corner and customers can try a hand-dipped corn dog with catsup or mustard – a rare find in Sonora.

Where hours were previously hit and miss, the new owners plan to keep the restaurant open on a regular schedule.

Business partner Carlos Benitez said they want to be a part of the community and do not plan to compete with JJ’s Cantina next door in terms of live entertainment or liquor. “It’s strictly soft drinks or BYOB.”

Corey said it’s a fun place to come hang out and watch the fishermen and boats come and go. He said they want to enhance the community in every way they can. “I always thought my property values went up a bit whenever Mr. Fish Taco was open,” he added. “It just adds a special element to Choya.

Another special element that will be coming in the next few months is a specialty coffee service – espressos, cappuccinos and good old Café Americano will be brewing soon.

If you are ready for a fun seaside treat, head on out to Choya’s oldest, newest restaurant, Mr. Fish Taco, at CornDawg Corner just two doors down from JJ’s, with a view you can’t beat.

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PHOTO CAPTION:

The original Mr. Fish Taco opened in the early 1980s and was due for a face-lift.

New owners Missy and Corey Gathman, along with manager Carlos Benitez, have turned Mr. Fish Taco, a La Choya landmark, into a fun new place to hang out, watch the sea and enjoy great, affordable food.

Giant catsup and mustard atop the new kitchen are attracting drivers and boats in the bay to the upgraded Mr. Fish Taco.

Diners of all ages are enjoying the new Mr. Fish Taco at CornDawg Corner in La Choya.