'Beloved' New York Mexican Restaurant Closes After 17 Years

After almost two decades in business, a popular Mexican restaurant in Fayetteville, New York has closed its doors.

Papa Gallo Mexican Restaurant is now "permanently closed,' ownership said in a message posted on the door of the building, according to LocalSyr.com. 

The popular Tex-Mex establishment still held the lease for the building for two more years, but its owner Jason Thomas decided to sell.

"We are permanently closed. After 17 years, we have closed our doors," the sign reads. "It was not an easy decision but a prudent business decision. Our lease is ending in two years and the opportunity to sell presented itself. New owners with dynamic vision will be taking over, renovating and bringing the community a new and vibrant restaurant. Thanks to all of our staff and customers over the years, making Papa Gallo what it was. Hasta Luego!"

So far, there have been no reports about what might be replacing Papa Gallo at 205 W. Genesee Street. A Google search also confirms the restaurant has been shuttered.

According to the official Papa Gallo website, Thomas opened the business as a tribute to his grandfather, who hailed from South Texas and always dreamed of opening a Mexican eatery.

"He opened and owned many businesses in his life, however he never opened Papa Galló. So in a way, this restaurant is a tribute to my grandfather," Thomas wrote.

Reactions to news of Papa Gallo's closing has been mixed on social media, with some praising the quality of the food and others offering complaints in retrospect.