PAXTON — La Hacienda Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Paxton, announced its closure in a post on social media on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
“With very heavy hearts, we want to announce that we will be closing our doors permanently,” the notice on Facebook said. “Our last day of business will be Saturday, Nov. 7.”
The business opened in August 2020 at 102 S. Market St. under the initial ownership of Maria Torres and her four sons and was later sold to Susana Zamora and Rene Munoz.
La Hacienda Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in downtown Paxton, opened in August 2020 at 102 S. Market St. in downtown Paxton. (Will Brumleve/Ford County Chronicle)
“This is not an easy goodbye,” the announcement of its closure said. “What started as a dream became so much more than a business. It became a place where friendships were made, memories were shared, and so many wonderful people became part of our journey.
“To every customer who supported us, enjoyed our food, celebrated special moments with us and kept coming back — thank you! Every order, every visit, every kind word and every bit of support meant the world to us. … Although this chapter is ending, we will forever cherish the memories we’ve made together.”
La Hacienda Cantina was leasing the restaurant building, which is often called simply “The 102” in reference to its address.
The building is owned by Scaggs Properties LLC of Champaign, which bought it from the Gifford State Bank in June 2013 for $45,000 before completing an extensive renovation to it. Following the closure of The 102 Lounge there, it sat vacant for years before the Harvest Ale House was there from August 2017 to January 2020.
Dining and Cooking