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Ace Mercado, the hip restaurant that found itself in the middle of a drama during the closing of its venerable neighbour Mellos on Dalhousie Street, has announced on Facebook it will permanently close as of Sunday.

In a post, managers of the restaurant, which offers a “modern authentic take on Mexican cuisine,” said there will be a closing party on Saturday night.

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“Thanks to everyone who enjoyed coming over the years and best of luck to the new group taking over the space at 121 Clarence street (sic),” said the posting.

At $6 each, Ace Mercado had some of the city’s most pricey tacos, but critics praised chef Trisha Donaldson‘s menu.

But the eatery also ran afoul of fans of Mellos, which opened in 1942 just around the corner at 290 Dalhousie St. Mellos announced in October 2015 it was closing after its landlord Domicile Commercial Management offered only a six-month lease.

The news that Mellos was closing prompted an online petition and a fundraising campaign, and Ace Mercado’s windows were egged. Reports circulated that Mellos was being squeezed out because Ace Mercado wanted to expand, but Ace Mercado owner Scott Porter insisted at the time that he had only agreed to lease the Mellos space because the landlord said it would be open in the new year.