QUEENS — A Mexican restaurant that has been a Forest Hills fixture for 25 years is closing its doors in the face of a tough economy and competition from a nearby Chipotle, workers said.
Garcia’s Mexican Cafe, located on the 2nd floor of a retail complex at 70-09 Austin St., near 70th Avenue, served its last quesadillas and burritos on Saturday night.
This week, the restaurant’s employees have been clearing the space, which could seat about 80 patrons and offered outdoor sitting.
The owner of the restaurant was not available for comment, but longtime employees told DNAinfo that a tough economy was the primary reason for going out of business.
Former employees also said that the opening of Chipotle, a popular Mexican grill chain,
across the street earlier this year, took away a number of customers, especially during lunchtime.
“They were active in the community for many years, but I think [the owner] fell on hard economic times,” said Leslie Brown, president of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Garcia’s, she said, provided a “fine dining experience,” as opposed to a fast food experience that patrons get at Chipotle.
“We always hate to see a business close,” Brown said.
