The original location of Taco Mac, which opened more than four decades ago, has permanently closed. Taco Mac announced the closure of its original Virginia-Highlands location on Monday.
Two Buffalo, New York natives, Greg Wakeham and Lou Chambers, opened the first Taco Mac location at Virginia-Highlands back in 1979. The franchise is currently owned and operated by Fresh Hospitality, helmed by Harold Martin, Jr..
Highlights
- Taco Mac has announced the closure of its original location at Virginia-Highlands, which was opened 46 years ago.
- The company announced the closure through its official social media handles on Monday, May 12, 2025.
- Loyal patrons of the locations said their goodbyes to the spot; however, some were upset that no prior notice was given.
The Original Taco Mac Location Closes: Where It All Began is No More
The news of the original Taco Mac location closing down was shared by the franchise through its official social media handles. “We are incredibly proud of what began in Virginia-Highlands. As we continue to evolve and grow, a part of our hearts will always remain on the corner of N. Highland and Virginia,” the caption to the post said.
As per the company, the closure of the outlet is part of its long-term strategy. “This isn’t goodbye — it’s the next chapter”, the official announcement said. The chain is in the process of expanding to more locations across the Southeast US.
Taco Mac Invites Guests to New Locations
While the original location of Taco Mac is closing down, guests are being urged to explore the 28 other locations of the Sports bar that are currently open and serving. The locations include those that opened recently at Macon and Conyers, Georgia, and Pelham, Alabama.
Guests will be offered their signature wings, ice-cold beer, and unbeatable game day energy at all remaining locations.
What Customers Had to Say
The closure of the iconic location of Taco Mac at Virginia-Highlands, which, according to many fans, served the best wings, marks the end of an era. “My childhood disappearing before my eyes. 2010 World Cup was an iconic time”, one user commented under the Instagram post, reminiscing about the good times they spent at the sports bar.
“Wow — this is such sad news. It was one of the first places I ate when I moved to Atlanta in 1990,” another user commented.
Many customers expressed frustration over the sudden closure, saying there was no prior notice. As the location closed abruptly, they were not able to enjoy one last meal at their favorite spot. “Wish you would have told us in advance, so we could go one last time!” one comment said.
This marks the third Taco Mac location in Atlanta to close since 2021. Taco Mac shut down their Lindbergh location in 2021 and their Decatur location in 2023.
