Torchy’s Tacos is planning to close seven restaurants next month amid an ongoing reevaluation of long-term plans for the brand.
The move follows the closure of six restaurants in late 2025. After the closures planned for next week, the fast-casual chain will have 120 units across 16 states.
That’s down from 131 at the end of 2024, a year of growth when the chain’s unit count grew by more than 6%, according to Restaurant Business sister-brand Technomic.
In a statement, Torchy’s through a spokesperson said, “At Torchy’s, we’ve always believed that growing the right way matters more than growing fast. After carefully evaluating performance across our portfolio and our long-term plans for the brand, we’ve made the difficult decision to close a limited number of locations that no longer align with our long-term vision.”
The company said the decisions will allow for a more intentional focus on high-performing markets and elevating the guest experience while continuing to invest in the bold, “Damn Good” food and hospitality that define Torchy’s.
“We’re confident these moves will put us in the strongest position for sustainable growth moving forward,” the company said.
Paul Macaluso was named CEO of the Austin, Texas-based brand nearly a year ago, replacing founder Mike Rypka, who shifted to a chief innovation officer role.
Macaluso has set a goal of adding 75 restaurants to the chain, which is all company-owned, by 2030, the company said. Next week, a restaurant is scheduled to open in Zionsville, Indiana, and more openings are planned, though the company did not say where.
The restaurants scheduled to close after Feb. 3 include units in Stafford, Texas; Queen Creek, Arizona; Atlanta; Altamonte Springs and Winter Garden in Florida; and two locations in Columbus, Ohio.
Last year, the chain closed two restaurants in Kansas City, two in Richmond, Virginia, and one in both Columbus, Ohio and Phoenix.
Known for its eclectic menu and irreverent marketing, Torchy’s got its start 20 years ago as a food truck in Austin. The chain in 2017 and again in 2020 won investments from the firm General Atlantic.
Torchy’s is not alone in closing restaurants.
Last year a number of restaurant brands shuttered units or announced planned closures in portfolio right-sizing resets, including Starbucks, Wendy’s, Jack in the Box, Macaroni Grill, Noodles & Company and more.
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