(This story has been updated with new information.)
One of the area’s most well-known Mexican restaurants is closing the chapter on its One Daytona location, following seven years serving the community.
Dahlia Mexican Kitchen announced via social media Thursday that the brand’s Daytona outpost — one of two locations in Volusia County — will serve its final meals March 29.
“After an incredible journey, we will be closing our doors this Sunday. We invite you to come visit us one last time now through Sunday to enjoy your favorite dishes, drinks and moments with us,” the restaurant’s recent Facebook post reads.
“We want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you who supported us, dined with us, celebrated with us, and became part of our Dahlia family,” the post continues, describing the decision as a new chapter, rather than a goodbye.
“The memories made here mean more than we can put into words.”
Dahlia decided not to renew its lease in One Daytona, owner Kabir Bhakta wrote in an email to The News-Journal, due to the location’s dependency on special events. The restaurant’s Port Orange location, a more residential area, has thrived on the support of locals and regulars, he said.
What is Dahlia Mexican Restaurant?
Named after the national flower of Mexico, the family-owned eatery opened its original location in 2017 on Beach Village Drive in Flagler Beach under Bhakta, a Chile native and former student of the hospitality and culinary management program at Daytona State College, The News-Journal previously reported.
Two years later, Dahlia expanded with its Daytona Beach restaurant, located at 1808 W. International Speedway Blvd., Unit 405, and in 2022, after saying goodbye to its Flagler Beach outpost, the brand opened its Port Orange location at 1078 Dunlawton Ave., the former Coastal Grill & Raw Bar.
That same year, BurgerTen & ChickenToo, sister restaurant to Dahlia Mexican Kitchen, opened its doors in One Daytona, turning heads for its out-of-the-box creations — many unexpectedly sandwiching some of our favorite dips, desserts and sides between two golden-brown burger buns.
Can you still eat at Dahlia Mexican Kitchen?
Following the closure of its Daytona Beach restaurant, Dahlia Mexican Kitchen will honor all gift cards at its Port Orange location, which remains in operation, according to the same post.
Dahlia, where “Mexican tradition meets modern flavor,” is known for its vibrant atmosphere and vast menu of photo-ready, elevated Mexican eats — from certified Angus beef steaks and caramelized pork belly tacos to various fajitas, shareable grillers, burritos and vegetarian options.
The restaurant boasts a full bar stocked with casual and top-shelf tequilas, shaking up nearly a dozen different handcrafted margaritas that range from classic to boldly infused.
Dahlia has been named among the best Mexican restaurants in the Daytona Beach area several years in a row by The News Journal.
Customers react to Dahlia Daytona closing
Under the online post, which has garnered nearly 200 social interactions, customers of Dahlia Mexican Kitchen took to the comments to share their reactions regarding the decision.
“My heart feels a little sad reading this, but also full of gratitude. Thank you to all the beautiful workers there for the love, the atmosphere, and all the special moments you created. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in this next chapter!” one user wrote.
“Oh man so sad to hear this! I live in Tampa and am coming next week to visit family and was planning a visit! I always look forward to the cauliflower tacos and spicy margarita!” another commented.
The restaurant’s post encourages customers to follow Dahlia’s social media pages to keep up with changes to its Port Orange location.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our journey,” the post continues. “We look forward to seeing you soon.”
For information, visit facebook.com/dahliaportorange or dahliamexicankitchen.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Mexican restaurant, bar to close Daytona Beach location after 7 years
Reporting by Helena Perray, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
