A Taco Affair Closes Little Falls & Westfield Locations: Owners Cite “Monster” Food Costs and Stress
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, A beloved staple of the North Jersey dining scene is scaling back. A Taco Affair, the gourmet taco shop known for its creative, globally-inspired menu, has officially closed its doors in Little Falls and Westfield.
In an emotional announcement shared on February 3, 2026, the owners revealed that while the decision was heartbreaking, the combination of skyrocketing operating costs and the personal toll of running multiple small businesses became unsustainable.
“The Monster That Came After COVID”
While many businesses struggled to survive the initial pandemic lockdowns, the owners of A Taco Affair noted that the post-pandemic economic climate was even more brutal.
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Triple Food Costs: The owners shared that food prices have more than tripled in recent years.
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Commitment to Affordability: Despite rising expenses, the restaurant kept menu prices stable to remain accessible to their loyal “taco community.”
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Prioritizing Staff: In many instances, the owners ensured staff were paid well even when they themselves went without a paycheck.
“We survived Covid, but the monster that came after was too difficult to ignore,” the owners wrote on Instagram. “Today we hang up our aprons.”
A Focus on Family and Mental Health
Beyond the financial strain, the owners highlighted the underrated stress of the modern restaurant industry. Between the pressures of daily operations and the weight of public scrutiny via social media and online reviews, the toll on their well-being led to a “year of refocusing” for 2026.
The closure marks a transition toward prioritizing family, children, and mental health. The statement also served as a plea for general kindness, reminding patrons of the diversity and passion that small businesses bring to the American culinary landscape.
Where to Find A Taco Affair Now
The good news for fans of their signature buttermilk fried chicken and Korean BBQ tacos? The brand isn’t disappearing entirely.
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Denville Location: The shop at 2 Broadway, Denville, NJ remains open to serve the community.
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The Food Truck: Their popular mobile taco truck will continue to operate at festivals and private events throughout the region.
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Future Events: Fans are encouraged to follow their social media channels for updates on where the truck will pop up next.
The departure from Little Falls, where the journey began eight years ago, and the newer Westfield location marks the end of an era for two vibrant downtown districts. As the owners noted in their farewell: “We are nothing without community. We had a good run, Little Falls. Ciao.”
Village of Ridgewood :
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