Times Record News

The home of "crazy good Mexican food" in Wichita Falls has closed, the Jalapeño Tree's CEO confirmed Tuesday morning.

Paul Bambrey, CEO of the chain, said the decision was made last week.

"It's a really tough day for me when I have to put some people out of work," he said by telephone.

Bambrey didn't elaborate on the reason for closing the store other than reading the following prepared statement:

"Unfortunately, due to economic and other pressures, Jalapeño Tree has chosen to close their Wichita Falls location," he said. "We appreciate our customers, employees, vendors for the partnership throughout the years, and we will miss Wichita Falls."

Jalapeño Tree opened in the mid-2000s when there was an explosion in eatery options. In roughly a 12-month period, Toscani's, Café Italia, Johnny Carino's (now simply Carino's), The Chef's Table, Pump Jack Grill, Cheddars, Buffalo Wild Wings, Ruby Tequila's and Jalapeño Tree all opened.

Before opening as Jalapeño Tree, the facility has been occupied by a K-Bob's Steak House, Shenanigans night club and Dyer's Bar-B-Q, according to Times Record News archives.

Jalapeño Tree has 13 other locations, all in Texas, including: Athens, Canton, Carthage, Denison, Gun Barrel City, Henderson, Jacksonville, Kilgore, Longview, Marshall, Mineola, Nacogdoches, Sherman and Tyler.