Popular Mexican Restaurant Chain Closing All Michigan Locations

The restaurant chain that trademarked the phrase 'Taco Tuesday' has disappeared from Michigan.

At its peak, Taco John's operated and franchised close to 400 restaurants in 23 states, according to its LinkedIn page.

About Taco John's

According to the website, the chain grew from a taco stand established in 1968 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Mexican quick-service restaurant recently expanded its Michigan footprint, opening three new restaurants in West Michigan in 2023.

WZZM-TV reports that the chain operated five Michigan locations in Hudsonville, Cadillac, Wyoming, Monroe, and Caledonia. All five locations have abruptly closed and they've been removed from the company's website.

What's Next for Taco John's?

A spokesperson for Meritage Hospitality Group - operating restaurant brands like Stan's Tacos, Wendy's, Morning Belle in 16 states - tells the TV station that the locations plan to rebrand and reopen sometime in the future.

"We have made the difficult decision to close our Taco John’s restaurants. We appreciate our employees’ commitment and hard work as well as the community’s patronage as we have endeavored to make this concept a success. In regard to future plans, we intend to reopen as a different concept and look forward to once again serving the community in days to come." 

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Numerous Restaurant Closures in Michigan

Earlier this year, we saw the demise of Bagger Dave's, as the chain announced that it was shuttering all of its remaining locations in January. A bitter family feud was deemed to be what caused all but a few Lefty's Cheese Steak restaurants to close, and Berger's Family Restaurant announced that it was closing after 96 years in business.

The future of Red Lobster restaurants in Michigan is hanging in the balance, while Outback Steakhouse continues to close locations in multiple states. Earlier this week, the owners of Mancino's Pizza and Grinders announced that its Ann Arbor location will close in October.