Mo’s Irish Pub & Casa Ole’ at the Mall Announce Closures
Popular Eateries in Bryan-College Station Close Doors
In a recent string of shutdowns, Bryan-College Station’s dining landscape is seeing considerable changes. Casa Ole’ at Post Oak Mall and Mo’s Irish Pub at Century Square have become the newest additions to a growing list of restaurant closures.
Hospitality Sector’s Struggle
It’s no secret that several local restaurateurs have faced business challenges lately, culminating in several eatery closures across the Bryan-College Station region. The causes for these shutdowns are manifold, including escalating rent, increasing food and labor costs, and often intense competition in a market populated by many newcomers.
Casa Ole’s Shutdown
On Monday, it was publicly announced that Casa Ole’, a beloved Mexican cuisine establishment within the Post Oak Mall, would cease operations after Wednesday. This news follows the recent unexpected closure of Stampede, a bar and eatery also situated within the same mall. While the mall’s Casa Ole’ outpost is closing, the Brian location on Freedom Boulevard near Briarcrest continues to serve patrons.
Closure of Mo’s Irish Pub
In another unexpected turn of events, Mo’s Irish Pub at Century Square closed its doors definitively on Sunday. Staff arrived at work to find a note announcing the closure pinned to the door. The sign expressed gratitude for the community’s support and love over the years.
Other Recent Closures
In yet another setback, King Noodle Sushi on Texas Avenue locked its doors on Monday. A sign on the door cited non-payment of rent as the cause for the closure. Other restaurants that have lately seized operations include Imperial Chinese & Sushi, Naked Fish Sushi & Grill, Rush Bowls, World of Beer, Mr. Hamburger, Tipsy Trinket, Mad Taco, IHOP near Northgate, among several others.
Seasoned Perspective on Recent Closures
In context to these closures, the President and CEO of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce in a January statement, outlined the arduous nature of the hospitality industry. He emphasized the inherent risk that business operators negotiate while entering the business landscape and reiterated that not every establishment could sustain itself, especially when new entrants intensify competition.
Rising Operational Costs
Industry experts suggest that several factors can burden a restaurant, causing it to buckle under pressure. For instance, the increasing costs associated with labor, food, rent, and even credit card transition fees have posed significant challenges for the sector.