JAMESTOWN – A longtime downtown Jamestown restaurant is once again closing temporarily due to COVID-19 concerns, but plans to reopen for takeout in the near future.
Taco Hut owners Jim and Kim Mason tell WNY News Now online rumors that their restaurant has permanently closed is false.
The Masons say the establishment closed temporally on Tuesday to make renovations before reopening for pickup and delivery.
“It is different to be in the food business at this time in our lives because people who look well may be very sick,” said Jim Mason who turned 80 this spring. “If you are not careful, somebody could catch this virus and die; we are very careful on what we do and what we say.”
Kim Mason says they have a lot invested in the community, and the community has a lot invested in them, something they are not ready to give up yet.
“We’ve owned this business for 48 years, he (Jim) put the man on the moon before this, he came back here in 1972 to start this business, that is a great accomplishment here in Jamestown,” said Kim Mason. “We want to see it continue, we want to have our employees, have customers come in, but COVID has had a big impact on that.”
Taco Hut previously closed this year due to the pandemic, but reopened for takeout and later indoor dining in June.
The Mason’s don’t have a specific timeline for reopening takeout services, but say they plan to announce more soon. Once the pandemic is over, the family owned business hopes to reopen indoor dining and welcome the community back for the full Taco Hut experience.
Are there plans for the Taco Hut to reopen in 2021? Is it for sale? Has it been sold? Rumors are it will not be reopening. What is the status as of March 4, 2021