Closing Williamsburg food stop cites changing neighborhood for decline in customers

A Williamsburg staple is closing its doors after 15 years, saying the way the neighborhood has changed has forced them to shutter.

Taco Chulo, a spot called an "anchor" in the neighborhood, is set to close at the end of the month. The restaurant sits on Grand Street near Havemeyer Street.

The owner calls their food "nostalgia-Mex," named after the cuisine they built from their Texan and Californian roots. They say they opened the restaurant so they could share the food they missed from home with their new neighborhood.

The owners say they made their decision to close with heavy hearts, citing a decline in customers and a rise in rent. They also think an increase in families brought less people eating out, saving money to pay for their homes.

"I think it's different now, people have nice apartments they have less disposable income, and so they'd rather stay in and order delivery or cook at home," says co-owner Greta Dana.

Taco Chulo will serve its last meal on Feb. 29.