Acapulco in Westwood Village closes its doors after 33 years
By Daily Bruin Staff
April 27, 2012 2:27 p.m.
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant and Cantina quietly closed its doors in Westwood Village this week, after 33 years at the location.
The decision to permanently close the restaurant was based on the location’s recent business performance, said Rick Van Warner, a spokesman for Acapulco’s parent company Real Mex Restaurants.
The restaurant had been at its location on Glendon Avenue since 1979, Van Warner said. But despite the efforts of the staff, the restaurant had been underperforming financially as of late, he said.
“It was a tough call, but one that was necessary for the business,” Van Warner said.
Van Warner said the Westwood closure is not related to Real Mex Restaurants’ bankruptcy filing in 2011. The company has since emerged from bankruptcy, he said.
Steve Sann, chair of the Westwood Community Council, said Acapulco had a long run in Westwood, but the closure was expected based on the company’s recent challenges.
He added, however, that the restaurant’s closing provides the opportunity for another full-service restaurant to take that space.
Reactions to the closure immediately erupted via Twitter:
@shadygorgeous: “NOOOOO!!!!!! “@dailybruin: Acapulco in Westwood Village closes it doors after 33 years http://bit.ly/IFmyyn.”
@kiimberly: “aww college margarita mondays :( RT @dailybruin: Acapulco in Westwood Village closes it doors after 33 years http://t.co/i7XOjcYt.”
@rbucich: “UCLA Bruins in mourning – Acapulco in Westwood Village closes it doors after 33 years http://dailybruin.com/index.php/blog/timestamp/2012/04/acapulco_in_westwood_village_closes_it_doors_after_33_years via @dailybruin
@iveyjanette_207: “@dailybruin A moment of silence is requested. R.I.P.”
@RebelTash: “turn it into a KBBQ restaurant! haha RT @dailybruin Acapulco in Westwood Village closes it doors after 33 years http://t.co/s5gfA8DP.”
@tracytracetray: “@dailybruin how sad :/”
Compiled by Kylie Reynolds, Bruin senior staff. With reports by Alexia Boyarsky, Bruin reporter.
