DALLAS — Unfortunately, this is not an April Fool's joke.
The popular Tex-Mex restaurant Matt's Rancho Martinez is closing its Dallas location on Skillman Street after 34 years, the business announced on Saturday morning via posts to its Facebook page and website.
“When you get started in this industry there’s a lot of hope. You have a lot of dreams," owner Matt Martinez III said. “It was time. After 35 years of leasing businesses, we just wanted a change.”
The restaurant, known for its famous "Bob Armstrong Dip" appetizer, has been a staple of the Lakewood neighborhood -- and Dallas dining at large -- since it opened its doors in 1989.
“We’re just so grateful for having had the experience of being in this neighborhood," Estella Martinez, who helped open the restaurant with her husband Matt Martinez Jr., said. “We felt like they were family so we’re very thankful for that relationship that we had with our guests.”
Sunday, April 2, was the restaurant's last day of operation. Its doors will be closed for good beginning Monday, April 3.
"The Martinez family, management & staff want to thank you for the many years, meals, celebrations & memories we have shared with each one of you, your family & friends," the business stated in its announcement. "It is with a heavy heart that we leave the Lakewood area... We leave with deep gratitude & appreciation for your support & loyal following. Thank you."
The restaurant added that it hopes patrons will visit its newest location in Allen off of U.S. 75 and McDermott Drive.
“It was just time for us to move on and try to own a piece of our dream," Martinez III said. “It was hard to find employees. It was hard to keep employees.”
Its owners also operate another location in Royse City at 4765 State Highway 276.