Prickly Pear Cantina Closes After Nearly A Decade In Danville

DANVILLE, CA — The Prickly Pear Cantina, one of five restaurants run by East Bay chef and restaurateur Rodney Worth, has closed after nearly a decade in the Blackhawk Plaza.

The cantina was home to El Jefe Burrito Challenge, in which customers tried to scarf down a multi-pound burrito. The Mexi-Cali restaurant was inspired by Worth's wife's SoCal college venture.

Worth said he will not close any of his other restaurants. Fans of his cuisine may still visit Danville eateries The Peasant & The Pear and The Little Pear, or Worth Ranch in San Ramon and The Peasant's Courtyard in Alamo.

Worth said he wanted to focus on family and other restaurants and blamed the closure on "California's harsh business climate" in a post to his Facebook page. Worth did not respond to an inquiry seeking more information.