If you’ve been keeping up with us, you know we just shared exciting news that the grocery chain Sprouts Farmers Market is coming to Mahan Drive. But less than a week later, foodies are heartbroken by news that a Tex-Mex restaurant located in the same plaza is closing for good.
The Maitland-based chain restaurant Tijuana Flats closed its Mahan Drive location housed in the Lafayette Place Shopping Center, home to a Goodwill bookstore, YouFit Gyms and Kyoto Japanese Cuisine.
Known for its bold flavors, colorful murals and popular hot‑sauce bar, the Mexican‑inspired chain built a loyal following with budget‑friendly tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, bowls, dips, burritos and more.
In May 2023, the chain closed its Pensacola Street location now home to Charleys Cheesesteaks. Questions surrounding the status of the remaining Tijuana Flats location on 1400 Village Square Boulevard grew when the restaurant temporarily closed its doors in March 2026 with no signs of reopening.
That means the chain may have served its last bowl of queso in Florida’s capital city.
In May 2024, the company obtained new ownership and filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, closing 11 of their Florida locations.
The chain still operates over 90 restaurants throughout Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. The closest Tijuana Flats location is now in Gainesville.
News of the latest closure spread on Facebook after a user posted pictures of the storefront with notes taped to the door reading “Sorry we are closed” and “We are permanently closed.”
One patron reacted saying, “Oh noooo, not TF! That makes me sad.”
This article includes previously reported information from the archives. Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Tijuana Flats closes its Mahan Drive location for good
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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