A longstanding taqueria in Central Texas will be closing its doors this September after nearly three decades in business. Taqueria Chapala owner Manuel Lopez recently addressed why his East Austin restaurant’s lease was not renewed.
In a Facebook post, Lopez said he and his brother opened Taqueria Chapala 29 years ago on July 1, 1997 at 2101 E. Cesar Chavez in Austin. On May 1, Lopez explained that his landlords came by the restaurant, as they do every month, to collect the rent and tax payments when they handed him a document regarding an outstanding tax balance, which he admits to signing without reading.
“It stated in writing that they were not going to renew my lease, and I wasn’t given any other options,” Lopez wrote in the post. “I never actually read that document—that was my mistake—and I didn’t realize what it said until June 15th, when they verbally told me they would no longer be renting the space to me.”
Lopez said he tried to reach a new agreement with his landlords, but they told him another business was going to rent the space, “and that they were going in a different direction.” He also debunked a rumor that his rent was being raised to $20,000, which he clarified was not true.
“We were not given the opportunity to renew our lease at any price,” Lopez said.
He continued the post by thanking his landlords for all the years they have helped him as well as his loyal customers for supporting his business throughout the years.
“Our intention were NEVER to paint the landlords in a bad light,” Lopez said in a follow-up comment. “They are AMAZING people. Sometimes in life a chapter ends but we are certain that a new and better one will begin!”
Lopez’s post garnered more than a 1,000 reactions on Facebook with fans of the neighborhood restaurant sharing their mixed thoughts on the closure and memories of the East Austin staple. In a follow-up post, Lopez said Taqueria Chapala’s last day of business will be September 30. He also teased that the restaurant “will be back,” giving fans hope for a possible relocation.
Facebook user, Flip Garza, wrote, “I used to walk with my sons there, and we were there a few weeks ago, but now with his wife and children. Your prices are so affordable and when you’re raising 2 boys that means a lot. I hope you find a new location.”
Another user, Christina MC, echoed that sentiment adding, “you have loyal customers here …we have been eating at your location for about 20 years now- we love your food & service. Please make sure to post on here when you have found a new location.” Other Austinites like Rigo Segura commented, “gentrification,” and Meyer Justin added, “I’ve heard this overused ‘we’re going in another direction’ phrase so often that it’s become a boring, weak cliche.”
MySA reached out to Lopez for comment.