Chicago’s Lincoln Park is losing a beloved dining spot as Takito Street prepares to close its doors on Saturday, February 8th. This closure marks the end of an era for owner Mario Ponce and his Takito brand, which previously included Bar Takito in West Loop and Takito Kitchen in Wicker Park. Ponce cites the increasingly difficult landscape for independent restaurants, struggling against larger chains and the rising costs associated with third-party delivery services, as key factors in his decision. The Lincoln Park location is the third restaurant Ponce has been forced to shut down in just five months, signaling significant challenges for local eateries.
According to Ponce, 2024 was an exceptionally tough year for his establishments, overshadowing a decade of earlier successes. He explained, “We typically have a strong summer, except this summer wasn’t strong. We typically have a pretty good fall. This fall wasn’t strong. We typically have a pretty good winter. This winter wasn’t strong,” highlighting a consistent downturn in revenue across all seasons. Coupled with escalating operational costs and diminishing sales, Ponce reached a point where continuing operations became unsustainable. “I just woke up and said, ‘You know what I’m done because we’re losing money. We’ve been losing money for a while, and just I need to stop losing money.’”
Takito Street opened in Lincoln Park in 2019, taking over the space formerly occupied by Fiesta Mexicana. While Fiesta Mexicana was a long-standing establishment known for its classic margaritas and traditional Mexican-American fare since 1985, Takito Street aimed to introduce a fresh, more contemporary Mexican dining experience to the area. The concept was designed to attract the student population from nearby DePaul University with its casual atmosphere and innovative taco offerings. However, managing three locations – Takito Street in Lincoln Park, Takito Kitchen in Wicker Park, and Bar Takito in West Loop – simultaneously proved overwhelming. All locations faced similar hurdles, including rising costs and heightened competition within Chicago’s competitive restaurant market. Takito Kitchen in Wicker Park closed in September, followed by Bar Takito in West Loop in October, leading up to the current closure of Takito Street Lincoln Park.
Ponce reflects on the evolution of Chicago’s dining scene and his own journey within it. Takito Kitchen’s 2013 debut in Wicker Park coincided with the rise of the taco trend in America, as diners began to appreciate the versatility and authenticity of tacos beyond standard Tex-Mex versions. He expanded with Bar Takito in the West Loop in 2014, recognizing the neighborhood’s burgeoning status as a restaurant destination. Bar Takito offered a more vibrant, party-centric atmosphere. Ponce notes that both Division Street and West Loop have changed, experiencing a decrease in foot traffic for dining out. Despite fewer diners overall, he acknowledges that customers today have a broader array of dining choices than ever before, intensifying competition.
Despite the recent setbacks, Ponce expresses gratitude for his time in Chicago’s restaurant industry. “Chicago has been really good to us, no question about it, it’s fantastic,” he states. Looking forward, while uncertain about his own next steps, Ponce makes a heartfelt appeal to the community. He urges customers to actively support independent restaurants throughout the city to ensure their survival in this challenging environment. Additionally, in a gesture of concern for his staff, Ponce requests fellow restaurant owners to consider his former employees for hire: “If you see a resume with an employee that has ‘Takito’ on it, chances are they would be a good hire,” he emphasizes.
Takito Street Lincoln Park, located at 2423 N. Lincoln Avenue, will officially close after service on Saturday, February 8th, marking a significant shift in Lincoln Park’s dining landscape and highlighting the ongoing pressures faced by independent restaurants in Chicago.
Takito Street Website
2423 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
