After nearly 13 years, Acapulco Restaurant in Galesburg will be closing its doors later this month. First opening in 2006, the restaurant shares a home with the now-closed Northgate Lanes Bowling Alley. Owner Elvith Santoyo-McNaught told the Register Mail in a letter that the bowling alley closing wasn’t the main reason for closing, but no guaranteed assurances on the future of Northgate was a small factor. Santoyo-McNaught also said that the recent influx of eateries in Galesburg wasn’t a factor either. She said the “business is the best it’s ever been,” and by closing now, people will “remember how great it was.”
Acapulco employs a staff of about 15. Santoyo-McNaught also said finding good help has become a challenge – thus the amped up hours she’s required to be at the restaurant. WGIL reported in May that Santoyo-McNaught sought a liquor license for 240 East Simmons Street – the former Carriage House – to open La Cantinita a soon-to-be tequila and wine bar. Some of her current staff will make the move to downtown as well. La Cantinita is projected to open in November. In the meantime, Santoyo-McNaught projects the final day of Acapulco will be September 21st unless supplies run out before that time.
