Taco John's in St. Peter closes

The "Olés" have ceased, as a long-time fast food staple in St. Peter appears to have ended its run.

"Closed" signs have been posted around the building on the windows, the drive-thru menu is blank, and a sign facing both directions on Highway 169 reads, "PERMANENTLY CLOSED. THANK YOU ST. PETER."

There was no response in an effort to contact the company's headquarters. A Taco John's worker noted that the corporate office does not typically comment on location closures.

"It's disappointing," St. Peter Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ed Lee said. "I loved Taco John's personally and professionally. They were reliable."

Lee complimented the fast food chain's adaptability over the years in St. Peter.

"I think about the pandemic, and their drive-thru line was so long," he recalled. "Others were trying to be open, but Taco John's really seemed to be open. They adapted so well."

The property at 103 N. Minnesota Ave. at the northern edge of the city's downtown, is owned by an LLC out of Houston, Texas. The building on the property was established in 1969. It received interior remodels in 2006 and 2010.

"It was just really nice to have that option in town," Lee said. "The first thing I would hope is the best for the owners and the company. We understand business decisions."

As to the future of the former Taco John's property, Lee hopes a business can find it's the perfect fit.

"We're definitely there for any new business," he said, "as is Small Business Development Center and Community Development from the city."