A legendary Tex-Mex joint in Houston announced its sudden closure. Don Jose Mexican Restaurant will close its doors on Monday, July 13, with service continuing until the restaurant sells out for the day.
Don Jose to Close After More Than 50 Years in Houston
Don Jose Mexican Restaurant is a beloved Oak Forest neighborhood restaurant. It is also one of the oldest Tex-Mex restaurants in the area and has served the community for more than 50 years.
The menu features Tex-Mex favorites, including fajitas, beef enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. The restaurant is known for its traditional Tex-Mex atmosphere and longtime neighborhood presence.
In a social media announcement, the restaurant team shared the news of its abrupt closure. “To our beloved community: It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closure of DON JOSE’s unfortunately the rising costs of doing business-including commercial rent -have made it impossible for us to keep our doors open.”
The restaurant will continue serving customers on July 13 until all remaining food is sold.
Restaurant Cites Rising Costs and Rent Increases
Located at 5305 Antoine Drive in Houston, TX, Don Jose was founded in 1974 by E.J. Clark. In 2003, the restaurant was sold to Luis Hermosillo, who had worked as a waiter since the restaurant began its operations. According to a chron.com, the restaurant is currently operated by Bernardo Garcia and family members Fernando and Jorge Anaya.
The team thanked the community for its support and hopes to see them one last time before its farewell.
Following the announcement, customers shared memories of the longtime restaurant on social media. One longtime customer commented, “Very sad to hear. We have loved Don Jose since the 80s. Please consider opening a small place out in Cypress, Waller or Tomball. The area is booming and these residents here love their Mexican food. Praying you all will consider these areas!”
The closure marks the end of a longtime Houston Tex-Mex restaurant that has served generations of diners in the Oak Forest neighborhood.
