Torchy's Tacos closing two Richmond-area locations
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The Carytown Torchy's Tacos is one of two that will close in Richmond this month. Image: Courtesy of Torchy's Tacos
The Carytown and Midlothian locations of Torchy's Tacos will close next week, according to signs posted on the restaurants' doors.
Why it matters: That'll leave the Austin-based taco chain with just one local outpost, Short Pump, just two years after it entered the Richmond market.
State of play: Torchy's Carytown and Midlothian locations will close at the end of service on Tuesday, Aug. 26, per the signs posted.
- It's unclear why those two stores are closing while the Short Pump spot will remain open.
- Torchy's corporate office didn't respond to Axios' request for comment.
Context: The move comes as fast-casual restaurants overall are experiencing a downturn in sales, driven by economic concerns, especially among fast-casual-loving Gen Z, Axios' Nathan Bomey reported last week.
Flashback: Torchy's opened its first Richmond location in January 2023 in Short Pump, followed soon after by the one in Carytown Exchange, a $40 million shopping center that debuted in 2020 at the top of the retail strip historically dominated by locally owned businesses.
- Carytown Exchange bucked the locally owned trend, especially with its restaurants.
- Torchy's was soon joined by Burtons Grill, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Rise Southern Biscuits, Sweetgreen and Starbucks, all of which are still open.
The bottom line: If you want your Torchy's fix after next week, prepare yourself for the drive to Short Pump.