Latest news with #HaroldMartin
Eater
7 days ago
- Business
- Eater
Midtown Taco Mac Location Closes Within a Few Weeks of the Original
Just a few weeks after the announcement of the closing of the original Taco Mac in Virginia-Highlands, the Taco Mac in Midtown suddenly shut its doors. According to a report by Atlanta News First, a sign in the window at the store on Peachtree Street read, 'Serving this community has been an incredible honor. We've cherished every moment — from cheering on our local sports teams together to celebrating special milestones. These memories will always be a meaningful part of our journey.' The first Taco Mac opened in 1979. and its expansion locations have been local hangouts for watching sports, baskets of wings, and draft beer. When the original location shuttered, the restaurant chain stated that it was focusing on growth in the Southeast, and the closure was a strategic move. In 2021, Taco Mac closed its long-time Lindbergh location, citing safety concerns. Then in 2023, the Decatur location closed after 22 years on West Ponce de Leon Avenue. Fresh Hospitality, led by CEO and Atlantan Harold Martin, Jr., bought the Taco Mac brand in 2018. Several Taco Mac locations are still situated in areas surrounding Atlanta. Sign up for our newsletter.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Virginia-Highland neighbourhood loses original Taco Mac store after nearly 50 years
After nearly five decades of serving up wings, beer, and memories, Taco Mac has officially closed its flagship location in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighbourhood. The beloved spot, which first opened in 1979, welcomed its last customer this week—but leadership says the brand's story is far from over. Also Read: Bahama Breeze: 15 locations abruptly shut down across the US Many residents were disheartened after Taco Mac shut down its store. However, CEO Harold Martin said, 'This isn't the end of the story - it's a milestone in our journey. We're deeply grateful for our roots in the Virginia-Highlands neighbourhood in Atlanta, Georgia, and we're more excited than ever for what's ahead,' as reported by The Mirror US. The company has insisted that the closure of the store is a part of its broader strategy for growth. The beloved food spot functions at 27 locations across three states, namely Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. Taco Mac has suggested that it has plans to expand into other states. Meanwhile, the employees who were working at the flagship store have been offered new employment opportunities in nearby locations. In the coming days, the empty spot for now in the Virginia Highland neighbourhood will be transformed into Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint. Also Read: Preakness Stakes 2025 prize money: How much does the winner take home? One of Taco Bell's most historic locations—Restaurant 31 in Scottsdale, Arizona—officially closed its doors earlier this month, marking the end of an era for the fast-food chain. Opened in the 1960s, it was the 31st Taco Bell ever built and had preserved much of the brand's original charm, including a Spanish tile roof and a vintage Taco Bell sign. The closure coincided with the launch of Taco Bell's Decades Menu, which celebrated fan-favourite items from the past, such as the '60s Tostada, '70s Green Sauce Burrito, '80s Meximelt, and '90s Gordita.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Cherished restaurant chain forced to close its flagship location after nearly 50 years in business
Taco Mac has officially closed the doors of its flagship restaurant in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood — marking the end of a 46-year chapter. The beloved wing and beer spot served its final customer this week. While fans mourned the loss, the company says the move is part of a broader strategy to fuel growth across the Southeast. 'This isn't the end of the story — it's a milestone in our journey,' said Taco Mac CEO Harold Martin. 'We're deeply grateful for our roots in the Virginia-Highlands neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, and we're more excited than ever for what's ahead.' Taco Mac currently operates 27 locations across Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama and plans to expand into additional states. Employees impacted by the closure were offered jobs at nearby locations. The now-shuttered space will soon be home to a Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint. News of the closure sparked an emotional reaction on social media, especially from longtime fans. Loyal customers shared their memories they have of the Virginia-Highlands restaurant on Instagram 'Wow — this is such sad news. It was one of the first places I ate when I moved to Atlanta in 1990,' a fan wrote on a Taco Mac Instagram post. 'At the heart of Virginia Highlands, this restaurant was a staple to the community and essential part of T-Mac history,' another fan responded. 'So bummed we won't get one more time to cherish this special place.' Still, not everyone was surprised. Some users pointed to a decline in quality over recent years. 'This location had really gone downhill in the last several years, sad to see it go but no surprise,' a commenter wrote. 'Taco Mac was legendary in VaHi but the quality went downhill years ago,' another Instagram user claimed. Taco Mac's farewell follows a broader trend of high-profile closures in the restaurant industry. Taco Bell made headlines last month after closing its historic Arizona restaurant after 60 years of business. 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. Pars
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taco Mac closing original Virginia-Highland location, other closures
The Brief Taco Mac has closed its original Virginia-Highland location after 46 years, marking a major milestone in the Atlanta-based brand's history. The closure is part of a strategic expansion plan, with new locations opening across Georgia and Alabama, including recent additions in Conyers and Macon. The space will be transitioned to Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint, while former Taco Mac employees have been offered positions at nearby locations. ATLANTA - After serving wings, beer, and sports fans for more than four decades, Taco Mac has officially closed the doors of its original Virginia-Highland location. What we know The Atlanta-based chain, which began as a single neighborhood bar in 1979, announced Monday that the iconic corner of N. Highland and Virginia Avenue is transitioning to a new restaurant concept as the company focuses on future growth. What they're saying "We are incredibly proud of what began in Virginia-Highlands 46 years ago," said Taco Mac CEO Harold Martin. "As we continue to evolve and grow, a part of our hearts will always remain on the corner of N. Highland and Virginia." The closure marks the end of an era for the flagship location that helped launch a brand now spanning 28 locations across the Southeast. Recent openings include restaurants in Macon and Conyers, Georgia, as well as Pelham, Alabama. According to company leadership, the decision reflects a strategic shift to invest in new markets and elevate the Taco Mac experience for guests. Martin emphasized that the closure is not a farewell, but a milestone in the company's broader expansion plans. "This isn't the end of the story — it's a milestone in our journey," he said. The Virginia-Highland space will soon be home to Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint. Team members affected by the closure have been offered roles at nearby Taco Mac locations. Meanwhile, fans of the brand are encouraged to visit other Atlanta-area restaurants to continue enjoying Taco Mac's signature wings, beer selection, and sports bar atmosphere. What you can do To celebrate its roots, Taco Mac plans to share guest memories and historic moments from the original location on social media. Customers are invited to post their own photos and stories using the hashtag #TacoMacBeginnings. What we know Jekyll Brewing closed all of its locations on May 11, according to Beer Street Journal. The announcement was made by owner and CEO Michael Lundmark. Additionally, the taco restaurant Bartaco in West Midtown closed on May 5. A message on their website simply says "See you around!" Previously announced closures Junior's Pizza in Summerhill announces closing with 'great sadness' More info Best End Brewing (White Street SW): Closing Jan. 1. No reason given for closure. More info. Torched Hop Brewery (Ponce de Leon Avenue): Closing after New Year's Eve. No reason given for closure. More info. West Egg Cafe (West Midtown): Closing on Dec. 29 after more than two decades in business. Cited decline in customers after COVID-19 pandemic. More info Boho115 (Decatur): Closed on Oct. 21 after just over a year in business. No reason was given. More info The Bookhouse Pub (Ponce de Leon): Announced closure in September, with a final date expected by January 31. More info BoruBoru Sushi (Emory Point): Closed on Oct. 30 with no explanation provided. More info CraveWell Cafe (Sandy Springs): Announced closure on Nov. 14 after six years in business, teasing a possible return in West Midtown. More info Damsel: Atlanta's first cabaret restaurant closed suddenly in September, citing operational challenges. More info Elsewhere Brewing: Both Grant Park and West Midtown locations closed on Oct. 28 due to a 40–50% drop in sales. More info The General Muir (Sandy Springs): Closed in late September, citing pandemic-related challenges. More info Georgetown Cupcake (Buckhead Village): Closed in late November. No explanation provided. More info Java Jive (Ponce de Leon Avenue): Closing in December after 31 years. More info Mi Barrio (Grant Park): Closed in August after 26 years, with owners citing retirement. More info Original Pancake House (Cheshire Bridge Road): Quietly closed in August after 35 years, possibly due to the massive fire across the street that destroyed a retail and apartment building. More info Pho Cue (Glenwood Park): Closed on Sept. 13 after three years. More info The Ivy (Buckhead): Closing after 14 years, with its final day on New Year's Eve. More info This Is It! (Panola Road): Closed due to Georgia Department of Transportation's traffic improvement plans. Taylor'd Bar-B-Q (Avondale Estates): Closed in November due to significant sales declines caused by nearby construction. More info Virgil's Gullah Kitchen and Bar (College Park): Destroyed by fire in October; owners vow to rebuild. More info Wahlburgers (The Battery Atlanta): Closed on Nov. 3; Shake Shack is slated to replace it. More info
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Another Atlanta institution gone: Taco Mac closes original Virginia-Highland location
Another Atlanta institution has closed its doors. Taco Mac announced on Monday that its original location is closing after more than four decades. 'After more than four decades of unforgettable memories, ice-cold beer, and countless wings served, this location has closed its doors as the company continues to grow across the Southeast,' the company said in a news release. Taco Mac opened the Virginia-Highland location in 1979, and now has 28 restaurants across the South. 'We are incredibly proud of what began in Virginia-Highland 46 years ago. As we continue to evolve and grow, a part of our hearts will always remain on the corner of N. Highland and Virginia,' Taco Mac CEO Harold Martin said. The company said the closure is part of its long-term strategy. TRENDING STORIES: Man found guilty of killing pregnant girlfriend in DeKalb County Georgia AG announces Brookhaven woman convicted in $305K Medicaid fraud scheme FAA says another ground stop is possible at Atlanta airport on Monday 'This isn't the end of the story — it's a milestone in our journey,' Martin said. 'We're deeply grateful for our roots in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia, and we're more excited than ever for what's ahead. Taco Mac said it will transition the restaurant to Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint. Employees at the restaurant have been offered positions at nearby Taco Macs. The company said it will celebrate the legacy of its original restaurant by sharing guest memories and historic moments on social media.
