After more than five decades serving generations of customers, a longtime Wichita restaurant is preparing to close its doors for good. The family-owned establishment has become a local institution, making its upcoming closure a significant loss for the city’s restaurant scene.
Chico’s will close September 19
Chico’s Mexican Restaurant, located at 4407 W. Maple St. in Wichita, Kansas, will permanently close on September 19, 2026, after 52 years in business. Owner Guadalupe Cordova announced the difficult decision on social media, thanking customers for supporting the restaurant throughout its decades in the community.
The restaurant will remain open Tuesday through Saturday until September 19, although Chico’s has asked customers to be patient because it will be operating with a smaller staff during its final weeks.
A Wichita institution
Chico’s has been part of Wichita’s food scene since its founding more than half a century ago. The restaurant originally operated near Douglas Avenue and West Street before moving into its current location at Maple and Tracy streets in 2007.
The family-owned restaurant has built a loyal following with its Mexican and Tex-Mex-style menu, including longtime customer favorites such as the Chico Special and chili verde.
The closure comes after the restaurant struggled to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The family continued operating through private parties and catering while keeping the restaurant open, but ultimately decided it was time to close.
For longtime Wichita residents, September 19 will mark the end of a 52-year chapter. Customers hoping to enjoy Chico’s one final time have only a few weeks left to visit the longtime local favorite before it permanently closes.
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