Latest news with #AlexPruneda
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After 63 Years, This Legendary Mexican Restaurant In San Antonio Is Being Forced To Close
San Antonio's culinary scene is rich with history and unforgettable flavors, attracting locals and tourists alike with food unparalleled anywhere else in the world. But post-pandemic, the restaurant scene never fully recovered from the hits that it took, equally losing customer sales and employee retention rates. Just days after the beloved, similarly-iconic Denver-based Breakfast Inn announced it was closing its doors for good, San Antonio's legendary Mexican restaurant, Oscar's Taco House, dropped the bomb that it's unexpectedly shutting down permanently -- but not by choice. According to multiple reports from local news sources, Oscar's Taco House is being forced to close by the city to make way for a new bridge. The bridge is part of a five-year project, officially named the South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad, and it is expected to construct new bridges, roads, and sidewalks to improve mobility of the Southwest Side neighborhood. The restaurant's owner, Alex Pruneda, told local news source MySA that the city wanted the building closed by May 15, 2025, but Pruneda wrote a letter begging for an extension to give his 32 employees more time to prepare. The restaurant is set to officially lock up for the last time on June 28. Read more: 11 Mexican Restaurant Chains, Ranked Worst To Best Oscar G. Garcia opened Oscar's Taco House in 1962 at 705 Barrett Place, San Antonio, operating it first as a carhop burger joint and soon adding classic Tex-Mex entrees (if you're curious, here's what makes Tex-Mex different from Mexican cuisine). Garcia's sons took over the restaurant in 1978 after he passed away, but maintained the classic, old-school feel of decor and service. Over 40 years later, the restaurant was purchased in 2021 by close family friend Alex Pruneda, who's continued serving burgers, enchiladas, and, of course, San Antonio's world-famous and unique puffy tacos ever since. In the midst of Oscar's Taco House ceasing operations, lifelong fans and devoted customers expressed their disappointment on social media. In a Facebook group for San Antonio Restaurants, people shared stories about decades of happy memories within the restaurant's walls. One commenter said "I never thought [this] would happen. I hope they relocate, [because] that's a fav in that area," while another agreed that "it will be missed by customers who called [it] home." Oscar's Taco House has no current plans to relocate, so in the meantime, San Antonians will have to visit one final time before the end of June and take a chance on some of the other absolute best restaurants in San Antonio. Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Legendary taco joint closing its doors after 63 years of serving authentic Mexican cuisine
Oscar's Taco House will be saying adios for the last time after 63 years of serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The San Antonio, Texas restaurant is closing for good on June 28 to make way for a new bridge in the city. 'The city bought us. They've been saying it for five or 10 years now that they want to build a bridge,' restaurant owner Alex Pruneda told My San Antonio. 'They wanted us out by May 15, but I sent them a letter and I told them that was too soon.' Pruneda, 71, also shared his deep gratitude for his 32 employees. 'We wouldn't be where we are today without them. They are the backbone of this business,' he revealed to KSAT. Oscar's Taco House has been a fan-favorite San Antonio restaurant for decades that has hardly changed since its opening. It offers a variety of foods, including famous puffy tacos, nachos, and chili and cheese fries. Oscar's Taco House will be closing for good on June 28 after 63 years to make way for a new bridge in San Antonio. Fans on TikTok were heartbroken to learn the Texas restaurant is shuttering. Fans have called for Texas to 'save Oscar's' ever since the business announced its upcoming closure. They've also taken to TikTok to share various memories in a video posted by visionsforyou210 last week. 'My mother and grandma would take me here as a child, oh the food was so good. Sad it's nothing more than a memory now,' a commenter wrote. 'My first boyfriend /girlfriend date in High School was at Oscars - over 40 years ago. I don't know what happened to him, but I will miss Oscars,' a fan responded. 'Man I've been eating here since I was a kid and now I started to bring my son here. Gonna miss this place. Great food,' another person commented. A few others recalled times they watched the restaurant being built. Commenters also praised the restaurant's food and gave brief shout-outs for its puffy tacos and fried chicken. 'The crowd was crazy today they just find out that they are going to close and now everybody wants to go,' a fan claimed last week. Loyal customers claimed the restaurant has hardly redecorated since opening its doors decades ago Several customers have praised the restaurant for serving 'delicious' puffy tacos The restaurant calls itself a 'hidden gem' in San Antonio combining Mexican cuisine with 'mouthwatering fish dishes.' It accepts reservations, and offers delivery, takeout, and catering. Oscar's is known for creating signature puffy tacos and revealed guests rave about Norma's Plate, an entrée that comes with a cheese enchilada, a puffy taco, rice, and beans. 'Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, the friendly staff and delicious dishes will leave you craving for more.' The restaurant also shared reviews from both new and previous customers, many of whom praised the food and its staff. Oscar's Taco House success has never diminished, but after four years of owning the restaurant, Pruneda is ready to settle down. 'I get people coming in from Boerne, Floresville, Devine, Helotes. Everybody tells me, "Why don't you open a restaurant over there?"' he told the San Antonio Express News. 'I might just take some time off. And right now, I'm just gonna accept it and move on.' A couple of social media users claimed there were lines of guests looking to purchase food from Oscar's Taco House last week Oscar's Taco House is one of many historic restaurants that have shuttered. Taco Bell closed its historic Arizona restaurant after over 60 years to build a sleeker location. The 45-year-old MacLeod's Restaurant in Bucksport, Maine, closed in April, but it is looking for a buyer to restore it and take advantage of its popularity. Meanwhile, another storied taco restaurant closed recently. Taco Mac closed its flagship restaurant in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood — marking the end of a 46-year chapter. Major chains have also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. TGI Fridays closed hundreds of restaurants and currently has less than 100 US restaurants since filing for bankruptcy last year. Hooters began shuttering restaurants last year and filed for bankruptcy protection in March. Outside the restaurant industry, multiple retailers have shut their flagship store doors for financial and restructuring purposes. Neiman Marcus shuttered its Texas flagship store in March, and Saks closed its iconic California store after nearly 45 years last week.
Miami Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Beloved taco restaurant closing iconic location after 63 years
In recent years, restaurants just have not been able to catch a break. In 2020, stay-at-home orders made in-person dining impossible for months. And once restaurants were able to welcome diners back in, issues arose. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Generous stimulus policies, including boosted unemployment benefits, made it very difficult for restaurants to find workers. Supply chain issues also made it tough for restaurants to get their hands on the ingredients they needed. Related: After closing 600 locations, fast-food chain has many more planned More recently, inflation has pushed restaurants to the brink. It's gotten increasingly expensive for restaurants to source ingredients and supplies. And the tactic of passing those costs on to consumers hasn't been working, since many Americans are cash-strapped themselves due to generally higher living costs. Not surprisingly, a number of big names in the restaurant space have closed their doors or filed for bankruptcy in recent years. And if current economic conditions persist, more restaurant closures could be in store. A big reason so many restaurants have sought out Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection or closed their doors these past few years has boiled down to money, or a lack thereof. But money isn't the only reason a famed restaurant might choose to shutter. The restaurant business is a brutal one to be in, and owning a restaurant isn't for the faint of heart. Related: Iconic restaurant closing its doors after 32 years Often, it means working long hours and enduring lots of stress for limited financial upside. So for some establishments, closures come as a result of owner burnout. In some cases, though, restaurants are effectively forced to close for reasons outside their control. San Antonio's Southside neighborhood is known for its taquerias that serve authentic Tex-Mex and Mexican-style dishes. But now, a popular taco restaurant is closing its doors for good after a successful 63 years in business. The worst part? The restaurant is being forced to vacate its iconic location so the city can construct a bridge. Related: KFC's newest restaurant concept has customers obsessed Oscar's Taco House, a beloved restaurant that's been serving up Tex-Mex classics and comfort food since 1962, is shuttering at the end of June so the city can use the land it sits on for construction. As Alex Pruneda told MySA, "The city bought us. They've been saying it for five or 10 years now that they want to build a bridge." Pruneda also said the city initially wanted the restaurant to shutter by May 15, but he was able to extend its stay until June 28. That gives fans of the famous restaurant a few more weeks to get their fill of the dishes they know and love. Fans of Oscar's Taco House took to Facebook to express their disappointment over the news. "I'm really saddened," one user said. "This place has been a staple for comfort food in my family for years and memories," said another. Known for its famous puffy tacos, fans of Oscar's have long appreciated its old-school, authentic vibe. The restaurant was so successful that it was able to thrive, despite not even having an online system for ordering food like so many eateries do. Some fans of Oscar's suggested that the restaurant try to find a new location. But the general consensus is that relocating just won't work. The restaurant has a certain feel that probably can't be mimicked elsewhere. More Fast Food & Restaurant News: Starbucks makes shocking pricing move customers will loveBankrupt restaurant chain offers new deal, stiff drinkNew Taco Bell menu items combines multiple classics Oscar's encouraged its Facebook fans to come in for a meal before the restaurant says goodbye for good. "We invite you to come in and enjoy our delicious food one last time during these final months. Let us serve you, as we've always done, with the warmth and hospitality you've come to expect." The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oscar's Taco House Closing After 63 Years for Odd Reason
A beloved Mexican restaurant in San Antonio will be closing its doors on June 28 after more than 60 years in business. Oscar's Taco House confirmed to My San Antonio that the restaurant will close next month. The restaurant, which launched in 1962, was set to close on May 15, but was granted an extension from the city to stay open for another month. Restaurant owner Alex Pruneda revealed the odd details to My San Antonio where he confirmed the restaurant's closing due to a city project. "The city bought us. They've been saying it for five or 10 years now that they want to build a bridge," Pruneda said. "Our last day here will be June 28." He admitted Oscar's Taco House has been anticipating the bridge project for years, but received word the city wanted the close the restaurant early than anticipated. "They wanted us out by May 15, but I sent them a letter and I told them that was too soon," Pruneda said. "I got 32 employees, it'd be nice to let them know ahead of time." After receiving an extension to stay open, Pruneda said that several employees have agreed to see the restaurant through to the end. "The multi-phased project, titled South Zarzamora Street Overpass at Union Pacific Railroad, is a part of the City of San Antonio's 2022-2027 Bond Program. The bridge is intended to improve mobility and safety on South Zarzamora Street, according to the project website," My San Antonio Taco House Closing After 63 Years for Odd Reason first appeared on Men's Journal on May 24, 2025
Miami Herald
23-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Famous Mexican restaurant unexpectedly closing, no bankruptcy
One of the most fickle industries to operate a business in is the restaurant space. Sometimes, it seems like no matter what you do, an eatery just seems destined to fail. Related: Popular Mexican chain closing all restaurants, no bankruptcy Part of this is because running a dining establishment is so resource-intensive. Let's say you're starting up a restaurant from scratch. You'd need a lot of money up front to purchase property, equipment, dining accessories, and to make the necessary renovations. Once the foundation has been laid, you'd need to hire labor, which is typically hard to come by and can be highly seasonal with a lot of turnover. And recurring costs are expensive, too. Since you'd be running electricity near-constantly to preserve food, and you'd be keeping long hours, utilities would be higher than average. And food is a perishable good, so fresh products would need to be shipped in almost daily - and a lot of it would go to waste. But costs are just the beginning of a restaurant owner's plight. Customer tastes are also incredibly fickle. What's considered trendy and exotic now may be considered a flash in the pan a year from now. More Food & Dining: Iconic Warren Buffett candy store suddenly closing after 30 yearsWalmart's Sam's Club makes a Costco-style food court changePopular Trader Joe's wine brand has bad news, making harsh choice And even if your food is deemed worthy, rising costs of living, a few bad online reviews, or changing population trends can sink your business before it even takes off. It's no wonder, then, that about one in five restaurants fail within their first year of business. That number increases to about one in two restaurants by year five. And sometimes, even when everything seems to be going right, something unexpected happens and sinks your whole operation. Such is the case for Oscar's Taco House, a popular taco shop located in San Antonio, Texas. Oscar's Taco House is famous for its puffy tacos, which are fried for a few seconds until they puff up, making for a crunchy and indulgent twist on the traditional Mexican favorite. The restaurant had been in business for over 60 years, since 1962. But now, it's closing as the City of San Antonio prepares to construct a railroad overpass near the city block where Oscar's Taco House operates. Related: Home Depot local rival closing permanently after 120 years The owner of Oscar's Taco House, Alex Pruneda, said the planned construction will hurt business by reducing customer flow and foot traffic. Oscar's also functions as a drive-in, but the railroad project will ostensibly block easy access. The City of San Antonio reportedly asked for Oscar's to vacate business in May 2025, but ultimately granted an extension. So the official last day for Oscar's Taco House will be June 28. Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026, and Oscar's has no plans to relocate or reopen business elsewhere. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
