Even Guy Fieri Couldn't Save CRUjiente Tacos. It's Closed for Good
Even Guy Fieri couldn't save an iconic taco restaurant from closing.
CRUjiente Tacos was featured on the Food Network star's popular show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! That show features Fieri traveling around the U.S. to visit and showcase favorite restaurants.
The restaurant shut its doors on May 31. That's just over a year after the restaurant was featured on Fieri's show.
"To all of our friends, families and our very loyal CRUsaders. Unfortunately, this is the end of the chapter…" the restaurant wrote in a statement posted to its Instagram page on May 31, 2025.
Located in Phoenix, AZ, the restaurant was "a Latin-inspired modern taquería," according to ABC 15.
"Hopefully it’s not the end of the story, we will have to continue to wait and see.
After weeks and months of trying, our most recent attempt to secure a lease in our current space was denied," the post reads.
"Something new will occupy the CRU space this fall. I wish I had better news, or at least that I could have shared this news sooner, but it took our landlord this long to decide," it continues. "Our final service will be this Saturday (May 31), we will be open until we run out of food. On behalf of Jason, and the entire CRU, thank you all! A Hui Hou????"
A fan wrote on the comment thread, "Oh noooooo! My favorite! I remember when it opened and all the thought you put into it. I truly hope you’ll find a new space soon. CRUjiente is such a special place. ????"
According to Phoenix New Times, the restaurant closed despite customer support.
The problem was getting its lease renewed. "The concept continued to be successful, and the owners had no desire to close their restaurant. It all came down to the lease," Phoenix New Times reported.
The site reported that the "fusion eatery's Korean fried chicken and crunchy tacos" were especially popular.
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