The Mexican restaurant sector has struggled with dining chains closing locations, filing for bankruptcy protection, and in some cases liquidating and going out of business.
Once popular Mexican chain On the Border ceased operations in 2026, after closing all of its locations before its operating company, OTB Hospitality, filed for Chapter 7 liquidation on June 19, 2026, the company shared in a press release.
Another Mexican chain, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, opened in 1986 in Alameda, Calif., welcoming huge crowds for years, including this writer, and grew to over 100 locations across the nation. The chain’s popularity dropped in the new millennium, and its owner Real Mex Restaurants filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018, selling its assets to Xperience Restaurant Group
Chevy’s has since downsized to 15 locations in seven states, with seven locations in California, according to its website.
The restaurant owner also owns the 21-unit El Torito chain, 4-unit Sol Mexican Cocina chain, and several individual Mexican restaurants.
Dos Coyotes closes another location
And now popular Mexican dining chain Dos Coyotes Border Cafe closed its last remaining location in the San Francisco Bay Area, as it shut down its restaurant on Crow Canyon Place in San Ramon, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2026.
The Davis, Calif.-based Mexican chain last closed a Bay Area location in 2019 when it shut down its Dos Coyotes restaurant in the Willows Shopping Center in Concord, Calif.
“We’re closed. Our last day of service was Thursday, September 24, 2026,” Dos Coyotes San Ramon asserted in a message on its Facebook page. “Thank you, San Ramon! It has been a privilege to serve this community. Thank you for every meal, every visit, and every friendly face over the years.”
Dos Coyotes continues operating 10 locations in the Sacramento area according to its website, including two in Sacramento; two in Davis; two in Folsom, Calif.; and one each in Citrus Heights, Calif.; Elk Grove, Calif.; and Roseville, Calif. It also has a restaurant located inside Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, Calif. The chain did not file for bankruptcy.
Previously closed restaurants
The 35-year-old dining chain previously closed several other locations, including three in Sacramento: downtown on 15th Street, in Market Square at Arden Fair, and at Sacramento International Airport. It also closed one in Turlock, Calif., the Modesto Bee reported in 2019.
Former Los Angeles restaurant manager Bobby Coyote launched the restaurant chain in Davis in 1991, was seeking to open an affordable dining experience for the average family or college student – a “people’s restaurant,” he said.
Owner worked for rock band War
Coyote had several interesting jobs by the mid 1980s, including laser light technician for the rock band War and manager of Cafe Figaro in Los Angeles, before launching his own restaurant.
The restaurant owner fell in love with the Southwestern style of Mexican food on a trip to Santa Fe, N.M., which inspired his desire to open such a restaurant.
Along with head chef Mark Casale, the restaurateur opened his first restaurant at The Marketplace in North Davis at the recommendation of his sister, who was attending University of California Davis at the time.
Dos Coyotes Locations
- East Sacramento, 6450 Folsom Blvd. #110, Sacramento
- Natomas, 2701 Del Paso Blvd. #160, Sacramento
- Broadstone, 2776 East Bidwell St. #100, Folsom, Ca.
- Red Bull Center, 13385 Folsom Blvd. #100, Folsom, Ca.
- North Davis, 1411 W. Covell Blvd., Davis, Ca.
- South Davis, 2191 Cowell Blvd., Davis, Ca.
- Citrus Heights, 5450 Sunrise Blvd. Suite F, Citrus Heights, Ca.
- Elk Grove, 8519 Bond Road #100, Elk Grove, Ca.
- Roseville, 2030 Douglas Blvd. #4, Roseville, Ca.
- Thunder Valley, 1200 Athens Ave., Lincoln, Ca.
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