Rockford Restaurant Announces Shocking Permanent Closure

If you are a Rockford-area fan of tacos, margaritas and locally owned restaurants, you might want to sit down for this one.

Sad News From Rockford Restaurant

I got on social media this morning and was genuinely shocked to see the announcement that Lucha Cantina in Rockford is closing... permanently.

WHAT?!

I hate seeing another locally owned business close, especially one that has been part of the Rockford community for more than 13 years.

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I can still remember waiting in the Edgebrook parking lot for Lucha takeout during the COVID pandemic. I have many fond memories of drinking way too many margaritas there with friends on Friday nights. I'm bummed, guys, and I need answers.

Why is Lucha Cantina Closing?

I wish I could tell you why Lucha Cantina is permanently closing, but the message from owner Josh Binning doesn't really give one. Instead it says this:

Restaurants are funny things. We sell tacos and margaritas, but after doing this for this long, you realize that's not really what you've been doing.

We've been creating a place where people gather and Rockford gave us the opportunity to do that. I don't know that I can adequately put into words how grateful I am for that.

Now, here comes the really bad news: Lucha Cantina will serve its final customers at the end of business this Sunday, October 4.

Google Street View

One Last Weekend at Lucha Cantina

The good news is that we still have one weekend to say goodbye.

Lucha Cantina will be open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lucha is participating in ArtScene this weekend and will be featuring the work of artist Marty Vanags at the restaurant, and Edgebrook is also hosting the Cider & Cinnamon Arts & Craft Fair this weekend, so there will be plenty of reasons to head that way.

If Lucha Cantina is one of those Rockford restaurants you've always meant to try, or you've been a longtime customer who isn't ready to say goodbye yet, this is your chance.

Order your favorite tacos.

Get the margarita you always order.

Bring your family. Grab some friends. Enjoy.

Lucha Cantina via Facebook

Josh's message today wasn't just a goodbye to Lucha customers. It was also a reminder to support the local places we still have.

His final request to Rockford was simple: keep supporting the local restaurants and businesses you love.

Rockford has so many great locally owned places, each with their own people, personalities and stories. They're part of what makes this community feel like home.

Try somewhere new. Keep going back to the places you love. Bring your friends and family. Tell people when you've had a great experience. Those little things mean more to a local business than you probably realize.

You did those things for Lucha. And because you did, a little independent restaurant got to be part of this community for more than 13 years.

Thanks for the memories, Lucha. Rockford is really going to miss you.

Read Lucha Cantina's full announcement here.