Rubio's Coastal Grill Closing 48 Locations In California Due To "Rising Costs Of Business In The State"

Rubio's Coastal Grill, best known for its fish tacos, is shuttering 48 locations in California due to the "rising cots of business in the state", according to a new report from ABC 10. 

The business, based in Southern California, announced the closures in a statement this weekend that read: “Making the decision to close a store is never an easy one.”

It continued: “Rubio’s Coastal Grill…after a thorough review of its operations and the current business climate, has decided to close 48 underperforming locations in California as of May 31, while keeping 86 stores in California, Arizona and Nevada open.”

Jot Condie, president and CEO of the California Restaurant Association, warned that these closures could just be the beginning for the state: “Daily headlines have chronicled job losses, reduced working hours, restaurant closures and higher prices for California’s inflation-weary consumers as a direct result of this minimum wage hike.”

He continued:  “Feedback from our members suggests this has become a breaking point for many small restaurant businesses.”

ABC reported that Condie believes more closures will follow if the state follows through on plans for an $18 minimum wage, which will be on the ballot for voters to decide on this November. 

Rubio’s closed 48 locations, including 11 in Northern California, 24 in Los Angeles, and 13 in San Diego.

The El Dorado Hills Town Center branch reportedly missed several rent payments, leading to a dispute with the landlord. The center issued a three-day eviction ultimatum to Rubio’s, which closed the site the day after receiving the notice, according to town center spokeswoman Dawn Bricker.

Bricker noted the business essentially fled overnight. Rubio’s confirmed the closure but did not comment on potential legal actions by the town center.

The company was founded in 1983 in San Diago and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.