When El Chingon opened in East Dallas in May, it billed itself as big energy. A press release from April 30 read “bold Mexican flavors … high energy, day-to-night atmosphere.” The company refurbished a 5,000-square-foot building along Ross Avenue just a mile east of downtown. According to state records, the renovation cost $900,000. (El Chingon is not to be confused with Mas Chingon Cantina in the Bishop Arts District — totally separate place.)
And sales weren’t bad. According to TABS Report, which compiles state liquor sales for businesses across the state, the restaurant and bar averaged $287,583 in monthly liquor sales from April through July, which is within the top 6% of all spaces in the city. Those sales are in the neighborhood of Stan’s Blue Note, Inwood Tavern and Bowen House, for comparison. And for a new spot, objectively not bad.
So, why did they just post on Instagram that they’re done?…