El Habanero Restaurant Closing After 11 Years in Logan Square
A Beloved Institution in the Neighborhood
El Habanero, a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Logan Square, is closing its doors after 11 years in the neighborhood. The heartwarming news, however, is that the family plans to bring back some iteration of the business in the future.
A Family’s Legacy
The Lara family, who own and operate the restaurant, have become a staple in the community. Their mother, Lorena Lara, said, "It’s nice to see the friendships we have made. It’s family here … customers have told me it’s like coming to eat at a friend’s house."
The family’s dedication to providing affordable and authentic Mexican dishes has earned them a loyal following. "We started here and our customers became such regulars," said Enrique Lara, one of the three siblings involved in the business. "I think that’s one of the beautiful things about being here for so long. We don’t want to remove ourselves completely."
Challenges and Decisions
The family faced numerous challenges, including the pandemic and higher prices for ingredients. These changes forced them to reevaluate their business. "This has been a good experience and is now a part of our lives," said Lorena Lara. "We are closing with more happy thoughts as opposed to bad things. I don’t have anything bad to say about it, just grateful and a little sad."
A Bittersweet Goodbye
The closure is bittersweet for the family, who have developed strong bonds with their customers. "There is love going both ways," said Enrique Lara. "They’ve supported us through so much hardship, and we want to support them as best as we can. We are grateful we were able to make an impact."
A Future for El Habanero?
Although the physical store is closing, the family plans to take a break and possibly bring back some iteration of the business in the future. They will update the community via social media with any developments.
Recommendation for Fans
For those who will miss the family’s cooking, Enrique Lara recommends Taqueria El Tapatio at 4238 W. Fullerton Ave.
Conclusion
El Habanero’s closure is a bittersweet moment for the community. While it’s difficult to say goodbye, the family’s commitment to their customers and the neighborhood is evident. The future of El Habanero remains uncertain, but the family’s dedication to their customers and their community is unwavering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is El Habanero closing?
The family is closing the restaurant due to a combination of factors, including the pandemic and higher prices for ingredients. - Is this a permanent goodbye for El Habanero?
No, the family plans to take a break and possibly bring back some iteration of the business in the future. - What’s next for the family?
The family will take a break and possibly revisit the business in the future. They will update the community via social media with any developments. - Can I still get El Habanero’s food?
For now, you can still visit the restaurant until Saturday, but after that, you can try Taqueria El Tapatio at 4238 W. Fullerton Ave.
