KC area Mexican restaurant of 33 years to close all its locations ‘with heavy hearts’
A Kansas City area Mexican restaurant that’s been around for 33 years will close all of its locations.
Salty Iguana announced on its social media pages Wednesday that it will permanently close all three of its restaurants.
“It is with heavy hearts that we make the very difficult decision to permanently close Salty Iguana,” the statement reads. “This Tuesday was our last day of business at the Independence location and we will not reopen our Prairie Village and Lawrence locations.
“After being open for more than 30 years, we are so grateful to our amazing customers & staff that made Salty Iguana feel like home. … We have loved being a part of the Kansas City & Lawrence communities!”
On Friday, the Kansas Department of Revenue seized Salty Iguana’s Prairie Village (8228 Mission Road) and Lawrence locations for hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes.
The KDOR said in a statement that the Prairie Village spot owed $102,160.24 and the Lawrence spot owed $103,204.96 in sales and liquor taxes, respectively.
After the Prairie Village location was seized, Salty Iguana told The Star in a statement Friday that the company was trying to resolve the issue.
“Our family business has been waiting for the Employee Retention Credit Refund from the IRS for two years and we have hired a tax attorney to expedite this matter,” the statement read. “The attorney is confident that we should receive the refund soon.”
The Independence spot, 17717 U.S. Hwy 40, remained open a few days after the seizure before closing permanently.
Salty Iguana began at its Prairie Village spot in 1992. It offered margaritas, quesadillas, fajitas and other Mexican dishes.
Last year, the chain decided to close its Olathe location at 10478 S. Ridgeview Road. Its Overland Park location, 8420 W. 135th St., closed in 2019.
Customers took to social media to share their support after the announcement Wednesday.
“This is the worst day ever!!” one user wrote.
“Please share your salsa and queso recipes,” said another.
