Taco Depot closed its window in Jefferson City's Capital Mall food court for the last time Saturday.
The Mexican-style carry-out restaurant, located across from Stir Fry 88, served typical fast-Mexican fare including tacos, burritos, toastadas, taco salads, rice bowls and quesadillas since opening in fall 2014.
"With the changes in the mall and slow sales, we had to close," said owner Dale Clack. "We appreciate everyone's patronage and loyalty, and we really like the comments we received about the food and service."
Capital Mall officials confirmed in June that national retailer Party City would open a location at the mall later this year, and the buildout for the new, 11,500-square-foot store has already begun. Party City will be located near the mall's front entrance and next to Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts - in the middle of the existing food court.
Taco Depot and Stir Fry 88, a carry-out Chinese-style restaurant, are currently located near Fuji Japanese Steakhouse toward the mall's east end. Stir Fry 88 will relocate to a new spot in the western side of the food court closer to Subway and Capital Cafe, the only other food court restaurants remaining at the mall. (Capital Mall is also home to PretzelMaker and Great American Cookies, located outside the food court.)
Stir Fry 88 will be closed for about two months while preparing their new space, said Capital Mall General Manager Jamie Reed.
Clack said Taco Depot's financial situation didn't allow for him to rebuild or remodel anywhere else, so he has no plans to reopen the restaurant elsewhere.
While the food court is being condensed to one of its corners, Reed said there's room to expand it there.
"We'll be adding a couple of new food court spaces as we can fill them," he said. "The food typically comes after the retail businesses. As we start to land these deals like Ross and Party City, that's when the food court will really start to take shape."
Ross Dress for Less, another national retailer, opened its Capital Mall store in October 2015.
Other moves made to accommodate the new Party City store include relocating High Voltage Arcade temporarily to the space that formerly housed Kirlin's Hallmark in the mall's Dillard's wing.
Also, the public bathrooms currently located near Stir Fry 88 and Taco Depot will be relocated to the other end of the food court, Reed said, leaving the public restrooms by Sears as the only ones in use for a time.
Party City officials hope to open the new Jefferson City store in early December, Reed said.
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