Mexican restaurants in Colorado vary in a lot of ways, whether it be in their recipes or whether or not they serve alcohol. Fort Collins looks poised to be the newest location for a chain that started here in Colorado.
What Happened to Carl’s Jr. in Fort Collins?
According to The Coloradoan, Fort Collins’ only Carl’s Jr. closed down in late July of 2025 after more than 40 years. They were Hardee’s when they opened in 1984 on Mulberry just west of Riverside.
After more than forty years, the Mexican restaurant coming to 421 Cowan Street, will be only the second business at that location
Colorado-Based Mexican Restaurant Chain Coming to Fort Collins
While many around Colorado do enjoy burgers, just as many enjoy a good Mexican meal, too. That’s probably the reason that we have so many across the state, from the solo Casa Bonita to the hundreds of Taco Bells.
A small chain, similar to Taco Bell (Mexican fast food) that had only two locations in the summer of 2025 (Brighton and Longmont,) appears to be eyeing the former Carl’s Jr’s spot. That restaurant: Taco Palace.
Taco Palace, which did have another location on Broadway in Denver, bills themselves as a “Mexican Fast Food.” However, their menu is much different than Taco Bell. Sure, they have tacos, but they also have menu items such as fajitas, chimichangas, menudo and seafood…