In a heartbreaking turn of events, a beloved Mexican restaurant in Colorado, celebrated for its inclusion in Yelp's Top 100 dining spots in the United States back in 2019, has officially shut its doors.
Xicamiti La Taquería Bistro, located in Golden, achieved an impressive eighth place on the national list shortly after opening its doors just 16 months ago. The establishment was known for its vibrant offerings of "street Mexican cuisine," which featured not only classic tacos and burritos but also innovative dishes like birria ramen. However, owner Walter Meza recently took to social media to announce that the restaurant had to close before the holiday season due to the landlord's decision not to renew their lease.
Compounding the situation, Colorado experienced severe winds just before Christmas, resulting in widespread power outages across the region. This unfortunate timing disrupted the restaurant's final week of operations, leaving many loyal customers taken aback by the unexpected closure.
In his heartfelt Instagram message, Meza expressed hope that Xicamiti could find a new location in Golden, emphasizing the importance of the community: "Unfortunately, our landlord didn't renew our lease, and we have to leave by the end of the year. We are looking and hoping to stay in Golden because we think that we owe it to the community as thanks for all of the unconditional support we've received. Don't worry, we will rise again and come back stronger!"
The motivation behind opening the restaurant, according to Meza, was to provide for their children’s college education, and he shared how the customers have become like family to them. "We've seen marriages begin as first dates, witnessed newborns grow into elementary school kids, and celebrated the graduation of numerous freshmen from Mines—all within our walls, seated at our tables, enjoying our food," he reminisced.
This closure leaves many questioning the stability of small businesses and their dependence on landlords. How do you feel about the situation? Do you believe there should be more protections for small restaurants against sudden lease terminations? Join the conversation in the comments below!
