MICHIGAN, USA — A Mexican-inspired fast food chain that had just expanded to Michigan a year ago has closed up shop.
Taco John's closed all five Michigan restaurant locations, a company spokesperson said. Any reference to their Michigan locations has been scrubbed from their website.
This comes after the company opened three West Michigan restaurants in a push to expand in the Midwest in February 2023.
Meritage Hospitality Group—which operates restaurants in 16 states including Michigan—includes Stan's Tacos, Morning Belle, and Wendy's franchises in their portfolio.
The spokesperson said these locations are expected to reopen in the future with a new spin.
"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."
Other now-shuttered locations include Wyoming, Hudsonville, Caledonia, Monroe and Cadillac.
Taco John's was founded in the state of Wyoming and has more than 350 restaurants in 22 states, including Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
The restaurant also claims to have started Taco Tuesday.