Jose and Maria Caballero shut Los Tarascos on Wednesday, ending 31 years of serving Mexican cuisine in Fort Collins after the couple arrived from Michoacan in 1995 with a dream of giving their children a brighter future.
The restaurant began in a modest storefront that later moved to 622 S. College Ave., where it grew into a 3,500‑sq‑ft hub that hosted birthdays, anniversaries and Cinco de Mayo celebrations, cementing its place in the community.
A pivotal moment came when local businessman Jim Mokler offered $100,000 to help the Caballeros purchase the building, a gesture that enabled the restaurant to expand and stabilize.
Jose credits the rise in margarita sales to a recipe developed after studying successful bars in Mexico; the drinks eventually became a signature draw that helped sustain the business.
The decision to close was not driven by financial hardship, the couple said. They cited a desire for a slower pace and the fact that their children—Gema, Hugo and Priscilla—have forged independent careers outside the family business.
Gema now runs a clothing line, Hugo is preparing to launch a tequila brand, and Priscilla is pursuing the next chapter of her life. The Caballeros will devote the rest of their time to supporting these ventures.