Taco Asylum restaurant at the Camp in Costa Mesa closed permanently

Taco Asylum restaurant in Costa Mesa has closed permanently, unable to sustain losses due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Owners of the taco shop, which opened in the Lab shopping center in 2011 and then later on moved across the street to the Camp, announced in an Instagram post on July 8 that they were closing down for good.

“With each passing week, the difficulties of reopening became more apparent,” part of the post read. “Health concerns for both our employees and patrons, in addition to the mounting restrictions and guidelines, have added a tremendous strain on our industry. Unfortunately, and with a heavy heart, we have decided to close Taco Asylum at the Camp.

“During our tenure, we had the honor of working with amazing employees and the privilege of meeting many wonderful customers. You will genuinely be missed. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to share Taco Asylum’s food and service with the community. Although we are uncertain of the future for Taco Asylum, we are optimistic.”

The restaurant had announced on April 10 that it would be closed until further notice, “until we see a clear path to re-open again.”

Orange County restaurants are currently closed to indoor dining, though many have built or offer outdoor dining areas for their patrons.

Taco Asylum opened nine years ago, and Ace Patel, Greg Daniels and Will Dee, from Haven Gastropub in Orange, ran it at the time. Patel took over sole ownership in 2014 before the Gallegos family became the new owners in 2018.

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