After 12 years, Tallahassee's Burrito Boarder is closing for good.
In an early morning May 16 post on the Tex-Mex restaurant's Facebook page, a heartfelt goodbye letter shocked many local patrons of the West Pensacola Street eatery.
"Simply put, we had a rough season and we were already heading into an unsure off season, then disaster hit at the worst time possible," owner David Turknett wrote.
In posts earlier this week, Turknett had begun foreshadowing the closure announcement, discussing some of the challenges the burrito and gaming lounge was faced with the last few months.
"Spending has been way down, the challenges that have arisen due to the rising homeless epidemic have increased, and the financial burdens of the rising cost of goods, insurance, labor and utilities has been overwhelming," he wrote.
Burrito Boarder was among the long list of businesses hit hard by the May 10 storms and triple tornadoes.
The news has begun to circulate on Facebook with hundreds reacting to the news. Many expressed devastation over the closing and thanks for the memories from the bright blue building with an open lawn and designated retro game area with board games and consoles.
Housed between the Rainbow Smoke Shop and Roboto Tokyo Grill, Burrito Boarder was loved by many and a go-to for many students at Florida A&M, Florida State and Tallahassee Community College – especially on Taco Tuesdays.
One Facebook user commented: "You guys have been a great part of the local community and I genuinely hope you will go on to create more socially inviting and approachable environments."
How to help
- Team members at Burrito Boarder created a Go-Fund Me page and Turknett has encouraged people to donate, specifying that all the proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly back to staff.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know!
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