On Monday, Sept. 25, Jose Lopez, Jr., owner of Casa Real, announced plans to close the doors to Casa Real’s flagship north side restaurant, located on North Grand Avenue. The last day of business for the North Grand Avenue location was Saturday, Sept. 30.

Although the restaurant, which has served the north side of Springfield for six years, will not be renewing the lease on the building, located at 301 N. Grand Ave. West., this does not forebode the end of Mexican food on North Grand Avenue. Sources confirm that Lopez is considering opening a new restaurant in the former Golden Dragon building, located on the corner of Fifth and North Grand, at 425 N. Grand Ave. East. The new restaurant would present a new brand, perhaps breakfast-related, at a lower price point, and possibly feature a drive-through window.

According to a statement made on Facebook by Casa Real owner Jose Lopez, Jr., “We decide with joy and pride to close Casa Real North to open the doors to new adventures and new ideas, we’re going to grow our passion for Mexican food and for every detail of what we do in order to be better.”

Other businesses currently owned and operated by Lopez include Casa Real West (3100 W. White Oaks Dr.,) and Tacos Pepe, which opened a physical location in the former Smashburger restaurant at 2661 Chatham Road on Friday, Sept. 29. Tacos Pepe also operates a food truck, which changes locations frequently.