The Landmark Event Center - A Breif History of our Location

This building is one of ten commercial adobe structures in Casa Grande listed on the historic register—an enduring symbol of the city’s rich heritage.

Its story begins with G.W. Johnston, who originally owned and operated Johnston’s Grocery Store at this location. Tragically, in 1935, Johnston was robbed and murdered. His son, Lester Johnston, continued to run the store for a time before selling it to T.A. Morgan. Unfortunately, Morgan later passed away from a brain hemorrhage.

The building then changed hands again, purchased by John Oliver Wilson for “taxes owed.” Wilson introduced the town’s first self-service laundry, the “Help Yourself” Maytag Laundry, which served the community until the mid-1950s.

In 1959, Wilson’s daughter Christine, with the help of Sofia, transformed her catering venture into a full restaurant. Though beautifully marked by a custom neon sign crafted by Sofia’s relative—renowned designer Pedro Guerrero—the restaurant was short-lived. However, in 1961, Christine reopened it as Sofia’s Mexican Kitchen, a local favorite that operated until she sold it in 1982. Though the sign has been dark for many years, it remains a recognizable and cherished local landmark.

Joe and Karen Revak purchased the building in 1982, and it went on to host several restaurants over the years, including Casa Grande Café and Lupita’s. When Joe Revak sold the aging, vacant property to long-time resident Greg Serrano in the fall of 2014, it marked a new chapter. Serrano lovingly restored and repurposed the building into an elegant event center, breathing new life into a space filled with history and character.

Today, this remarkable adobe building continues to stand as a testament to Casa Grande’s vibrant past and enduring community spirit.