A popular Mexican restaurant, Chevys Fresh Mex, in Emeryville, close to San Francisco, will close in just a few weeks. After serving customers for 25 years, it will close its doors for the last time on April 22.
Chevys Fresh Mex Closure After Lease Issues
The parent company of Chevys Fresh Mex, Xperience Restaurant Group, has announced that its Emeryville restaurant will be closing. The decision to shut down came after disagreements with the property owner on a new lease.
Mike Johnson, the chief operating officer of Xperience Restaurant Group, expressed his gratitude to the community and staff in a statement to SFGATE. "After 25 dedicated years in the Bay Area community, Chevys will be closing its Emeryville location in April," Johnson said.
He thanked the restaurant's loyal customers and the hardworking team members who have been the backbone of their service, offering fresh cuisine that the community has loved for over two decades.
The restaurant chain Chevys Fresh Mex was famous for its special El Machino oven, which could make tortillas in just 53 seconds.
Unfortunately, over 60 employees will be out of work with the restaurant's closure.
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Chevys Fresh Mex Emeryville Closure Shocks Fans
The upcoming closure of Chevys Fresh Mex in Emeryville has deeply saddened its regular customers.
"One regular visitor reminisced, "It was a good location. Went there many times with the guys, dates, birthdays."
Another dismayed fan asked, "What is going on?!! Seriously, what are we going to be left with?"
Many patrons were drawn to the restaurant for its breathtaking waterfront views. "If you're ever in the Emeryville, California, area and want a million-dollar view from your patio table at an affordable restaurant, Chevys Fresh Mex restaurant is the place to go!" said one diner, praising the location's charm.
Founded in Alameda in 1986, Chevys has expanded across the United States, with locations in Florida, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia, and New Jersey.
Despite the closures of its Times Square restaurant in September 2018 and a South Lake Tahoe location on Christmas Eve in 2016, which affected many workers, the chain continues to operate in various states.
The timing of the closures has been criticized by employees, like Kelly Jola, a 12-year veteran of the South Lake Tahoe restaurant, who lamented the lack of consideration in the timing of the shutdowns.
"The timing couldn't be worse," said Jola. "Many of us spent our Christmas savings expecting to earn it back soon. We were all shocked."
Sara Barker, representing Chevys' parent company, Real Mex Restaurants, linked the closure to the fiscal year ending December 26 and upcoming corporate expansions. "Following our August announcement to double our size, we're closing the underperforming South Lake Tahoe location to prepare for growth," Barker stated. She mentioned ongoing negotiations for a significant acquisition expected to be announced shortly.
Despite the closure, Barker noted an "amicable agreement" for early lease termination and mentioned that all affected employees were offered jobs at other locations. However, accepting these positions means relocating to Sacramento, posing a significant change for many.
This move has left the staff facing tough decisions about their future employment and residences.
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