By Jim Carchidi
August 2, 2026
Another local staple shut down this weekend when Gringos Locos abruptly closed all of its locations. The news was confirmed by staff Saturday night after social media began buzzing with rumors earlier in the evening. Employees at the downtown and SoDO restaurants said management announced the closings that day and offered no explanation for the decision.
Gringos Locos first opened on Washington Street in 2009. Image courtesy of Gringos Locos.
Early Sunday morning, UCF's Knight News reported an employee at the Knights Plaza location was told Friday that the business would be closing while it "navigates its finances." Bungalower also posted reports of the closings on Saturday night based on employee comments.
Tasting success
Gringos Locos earned a fast following with the "Double D" hard and soft shell combo taco. Image courtesy of Gringos Locos
The Tex-Mex-style eatery was an immediate hit after its flagship opened at 20 E. Washington St. in 2009. The most popular item - the "Double D" - featured a hard shell taco wrapped in a soft tortilla with queso. Expansions began in 2014 with a Milk District walk-up counter at 2406 E. Robinson St. and concession stands at Amway Center (now Kia Center). A restaurant on the UCF campus followed in 2018 with another in SoDO at 517 E. Michigan St. the same year.
Rough patches
A 2017 falling out between the owners led to a lawsuit, reported by Orlando Sentinel. The plaintiff, Robert Bair, later launched Tin & Taco and SoDough Square.
A loyal following voted Gringos Locos to multiple "Best Taco" victories in Orlando Weekly’s Best of Orlando awards. Customer complaints over price increases and low quality began in recent years, but steady late-night business continued.
Lines were reported at the downtown, Milk District, and SoDO locations Saturday after the closing was confirmed.
Downtown downturn
The Gringos Locos exit adds another brand to the growing list of downtown Orlando business closures. The Attic and The Treehouse shuttered in May after 16 years with ownership citing operational issues and a difficult business environment. Motorworks Brewing also closed its N. Orange Avenue taproom in May after six years. And W. Pine Street’s horror-themed Cocktails & Screams served its last drink in March after nearly seven years in business. In December, Tanqueray’s Bar & Grille closed after 36 years at its iconic basement location at 100 S. Orange Ave.
City leaders are trying to stem the negative tide by introducing a mix of public spaces and street projects aimed at bringing back foot traffic. And with new incentives designed to encourage private investments.
Questions remain
Efforts to reach Gringos Locos owners were unsuccessful and no reason for the closures has been communicated to the public. The company website was still up at the time of publication.
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About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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