Rojo throws birthday party to celebrate 15 years

In 2002, when Laney DeJonge and Clark Lopez founded Rojo, a bar and restaurant in Highland Park serving Latin and American food, DeJonge had no desire to start a chain.

She said she wanted the new restaurant to become part of the community and a unique Birmingham place.

That’s what she and Lopez, along with their dedicated staff and loyal regulars, have created at Rojo, which celebrates its 15th birthday June 15 at 5 p.m. The celebration is based on the quinceañera birthday parties thrown for 15-year-old girls in Latin cultures. The party will feature a photo booth, tiered cake, candle lighting and live Mexican music, according to DeJonge. The Legendary Pineapple Skinners will play on the patio, as they do each year on Rojo’s birthday.