Velvet Taco's Lubbock Closure Reflects Broader Restaurant Challenges

Velvet Taco (2401 Glenna Goodacre Blvd) has closed in Lubbock, apparently as a larger strategic move by the company, as the Waco location (1021 S Jack Kultgen Expy) has also called it quits. A location in Florida closed, too, but stated that parking was an issue in the closure.

Lubbock's Velvet Taco opened in the Spring of 2021, and despite making it a little past the 5-year mark (a longevity most restaurants can't achieve), our time with Velvet Taco has come to a close.

How Do We Know These Velvet Taco Locations Closed?

After scouring the internet for a public announcement, I just looked for Lubbock and Waco on the Velvet Taco locations map. They are not there. Additionally, both locations are marked as "Temporarily Closed" on Google, but I have the feeling "Permanent" is just waiting for official confirmation. Additionally, my friend who has worked there since its opening penned a nice (if vague) goodbye, and other friends tried to go and were met with locked doors.

Why Are Restaurants Like These Closing?

There are many factors at play here, including high overhead costs like ingredients and labor, and I imagine the rent in that area isn't cheap either. Most people are living with budgets that are tighter than ever, and one of the first things to go is usually spending money going out to eat. For Lubbock specifically, there's also a ton of competition, particularly for tacos. Many people will go for more affordable options like Taco Bell or will opt for mom-and-pop places or food trucks to satisfy that craving.

What Made Velvet Taco Different?

In addition to the eyebrow-raising name, Velvet Taco offered a wide variety of genre-bending fusion-style tacos. Yes, you could get Mexican flavors but also Indian, Korean, and American too, making it a great option for multiple tastes. They also had Red Velvet cake (of course), drinks like margaritas, and the restaurant stayed open late to accommodate nearby Texas Tech and surrounding nightlife.

I hope that everyone who worked at our local Velvet Taco finds great jobs soon. Many restaurants will wait until the 11th hour to make these announcements, leaving employees scrambling for their next position. I do not know if that was the case with Velvet Taco; however, finding a new job is a challenge these days, even in the best circumstances.