The Don Pablo’s near Christiana closed without warning after a nearly two-decade-long run.
The restaurant mainstay was not open today, with online reports indicating it had ceased operations. The company did not respond to a message seeking comment.
The Tex-Mex chain, known for hits fresh tortillas and the aroma of refried beans outside the premises, had shrunk from more than 100 restaurants to a half dozen.
It is owned by a company that picks up struggling restaurant brands that include Lone Star, which exited the state after at one time owning three locations in Delaware.
An auction company announced on Tuesday that restaurant equipment at the establishment will be sold to the highest bidder, according to Auction Nation, a national online auction company.
Further information is available from www.AuctionNation.com with a preview available before the auction closes.
“Each store contains everything from kitchen equipment and small wares to furniture and decor.” says Chris Rushford, auction manager. “To be able to bid on the entire Don Pablo’s in Newark is an amazing opportunity for anyone in the restaurant business!”
All bidding will take place on the AuctionNation.com website and is online now through Friday, September 28th, at 12pm ET. Registration is free, open to the public and only takes a few minutes.
Don Pablo’s had already made a trip through Bankruptcy Court a few years ago. (See story below).
Don Pablo’s chain files for bankruptcy protection; Christiana store stays open
Despite, the popularity of Mexican cuisine, no large national player has emerged, with once sizable chains like Chi-Chi’s going out of the business. A hybrid concept, Chili’s closed two northern Delaware restaurants in recent years, but opened a new restaurant near Don Pablo’s, perhaps hastening its demise.
Another competitor is the Border Cafe, a short distance away in the Stanton area. During its run, Don Pablo’s saw an influx of family-owned establishments in the Newark area and into Elsmere and Prices Corner.
Chains encounter stiff competition from the family operations, which can offer a wide variety of authentic food at competitive prices.
Delaware is the home to the La Tonalteca-La Tolteca chain, which has about a dozen restaurants.
