Abuelita's to Close Waco Location in October
After ten years of service, the restaurant plans to relocate to Meridian following its final day on October 24.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Abuelita's Mexican Restaurant will close its doors in Waco on October 24, 2026. The business is planning to reopen at a new location in Meridian this December.
Why it matters
Rising rent and operating costs have made the current Waco site unsustainable for the business. The move marks a return to 502 W. Morgan St. in Meridian, a space previously occupied by a restaurant from 2012 to 2018.
The restaurant operated in Waco for a decade before announcing its departure. The new site is located at 502 W. Morgan St. in Meridian.
The players
The Jaimes family
They are the longtime operators behind the restaurant and previously managed a business called Tapatio in Waco from 1999 to 2012.
The details
The owners of the establishment announced the upcoming move via social media to update their local customer base. The restaurant will settle into a Meridian property that previously housed a business called Abuelito's until 2018.
Timeline
1999 to 2012: The Jaimes family operated a restaurant named Tapatio in Waco.
2012 to 2018: A business named Abuelito's occupied the space at 502 W. Morgan St. in Meridian.
October 24, 2026: The final day of operations for the restaurant in Waco.
December 2026: The projected reopening date for the restaurant in Meridian.
Market Landscape
This story follows a pattern set by the 2023-2024 surge in small business closures due to rising commercial rents as owners seek lower overhead costs in surrounding municipalities. The move reflects broader industry efforts to maintain margins by relocating to more affordable, previously established footprints.
Regular patrons in the Waco area must adjust their dining habits before the final service date on October 24. Customers looking to continue visiting the restaurant will need to plan for a trip to the new Meridian location starting this December.
The takeaway
Small businesses often rely on strategic relocation to mitigate the impact of fluctuating real estate expenses. Owners looking to replicate this model should evaluate the historical usage of potential new sites to ensure brand continuity.
What happens next
The restaurant is expected to hold its grand reopening in Meridian during December 2026.
Further reading
For more on local commercial shifts, visit the Waco Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chron.
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