(COLORADO SPRINGS) — “If any restaurant is hiring, we’ve got several employees looking,” said Luke Travins, Co-Owner of José Muldoon’s after the recent closure of its North Powers Boulevard location.

For 13 years, José Muldoon’s has been serving up its Tex-Mex cuisine at the 5710 South Carefree Circle address, but after Sunday, Jan. 14 the restaurant closed its doors for good, and employees were told about the news the next day.

Travins, who spoke with FOX21 News on Friday morning, Jan. 19, said while the location saw a good response after the pandemic, in 2023, traffic began to decline. He added that with new state and government mandates for the restaurant industry coupled with the new minimum wage law, the closure was only a matter of time, also citing expected slow business for the next four months and having to seek alternatives to stay in business.

Travins reflected and said that saying goodbye to the employees was the hardest part, especially for those who had been part of the management staff since its opening.

When we asked Travins about whether the employees would be transferred to the restaurant’s downtown location, Travins said that unfortunately during wintertime there aren’t many open positions, but added that many of the employees had second jobs and if by springtime were still looking, he would try to hire them.

At its downtown location, which has been open since 1974, José Muldoon’s is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Travins said those celebrations would likely take place in mid-May.

The restaurant, located at 222 North Tejon Street, is across from Acacia Park and Travins said, has seen success thanks to the tourism industry downtown, along with Colorado College and Air Force Academy families frequently stopping by.