After three decades of service, Edgar’s Big Taco has closed its doors. The popular taco spot in Kilgore, Texas, served its last taco on Thursday, May 14. The family-owned taco spot hinted at the expansion of the Highway 31 project as the key reason for its closure.
Kilgore Staple Edgar’s Big Taco Served Its Final Meal
Ramiro Ordorico founded the beloved taco spot in 1995. Edgar’s Big Taco started as a small roadside taco spot, and over time, it became a longtime East Texas favorite. It was known for oversized tacos and homemade menu items prepared with fresh ingredients.
After its success in Kilgore, Texas, the owners opened a second location and also added a food truck, ‘Edgar’s On The Go’.
Through a Facebook post, the restaurant owners shared the heartbreaking news of their closure. Edgar’s Big Taco served its final meal last Thursday. In the May 14 post, the team wrote, “July 4, 1995. That’s the day the original Edgar’s Big Taco opened its doors. Today will be the last day tacos are served from that original location.”
In the post, the owner reflected on the journey of the taco stand, writing, “That little taco stand gave us more than tacos. Because thousands of people chose to support us over the years, my dad was able to buy the house I grew up in and spent most of my childhood. It bought our first cars. It put my brother and me through Texas A&M University. It helped open Edgar’s Big Taco #2.”
Verenice Ordorica, daughter of Ramiro, wrote an emotional message and shared her story of working at the taco spot as a young girl and how it shaped her life.
“At 9 years old, I was already taking orders, cashing people out, cleaning tables, restocking supplies, handling customers, and learning how to work alongside my parents. Without realizing it at the time, I was learning communication, responsibility, customer service, money management, problem solving, multitasking, work ethic, leadership, and how to treat people with kindness and respect, no matter who they were,” she added.
Highway 31 Expansion Project Leads to Closure
The official closure announcement explained that, due to the ongoing expansion development plans for Highway 31, Edgar’s Big Taco has closed.
“Tomorrow, the state officially takes over the property due to the Hwy 31 expansion project,” said the taco restaurant. “A small family business may look simple from the outside, but behind it are sacrifices, long hours, lessons, struggles, and memories that shape generations.”
However, the family said they hope to introduce a new concept in the future. “Although my dad plans to rebuild or possibly place a food truck nearby, it’s still a bittersweet moment for our family,” they said. The owners also thanked the community for their support.
With the closure of Edgar’s Big Taco, the Kilgore community marked the end of a local favorite Tex-Mex spot.
