‘That’s so sad!!’: Hundreds mourn loss of Don Chilito’s, Johnson County restaurant
After five decades in downtown Mission, Don Chilito’s Mexican Restaurant is closing.
Barry Cowden, second generation owner, has decided to retire and will close the restaurant, 7017 Johnson Drive, on Dec. 11.
The news hit fans hard, and the restaurant’s Facebook page garnered more than 1,000 comments as of Tuesday afternoon. Here’s a sampling:
▪ “That makes me soooo sad!!! … trips back to the area won’t be the same without my Don’s dip!!! … will have to travel soon for my fix!!! … THANKS for all the years!!!”
▪ “That’s so sad!! We started going there when you opened and we never stopped. All the best to you and your staff.”
▪ “Many, many, many family celebrations and just because dinners had here. So happy for your retirement. It’s bitter sweet and we will be going through withdrawal. We will definitely be in a lot before you close. “
▪ “Congratulations and Well Done! My first “real date” was dinner at Don Chilito’s and a Chicago concert, in 1972. It was a complete success partially due to the wonderful food. Thanks for the beautiful memories!!”
▪ We’ve been enjoying your restaurant for all 50 of those years. We also enjoyed the location in Lawrence ‘way back when. Thank you so much for your consistently good food and for your many great and loyal employees in the serving line. You will be greatly missed.
▪ “My parents used to take us as kids and I’m so glad I was able to take my kids, too. Gonna miss this place for sure. Any chance of y’all dropping that CCQ recipe as a final farewell?!
But some readers commenting on The Star’s Facebook page were more negative:
▪ “That place is a dumpster fire. Good riddance.”
▪ “Worst food ever”
Last fall, Cowden made news when he said his restaurant would not follow Johnson County’s COVID-19 mask mandates, which have since been rescinded. Said one Facebook commenter:
▪ “We took the kids for nostalgia (before the owner defied health regulations) and it sure wasnt what I remembered from the 1980s.”