Yesterday, Eater SF reported the imminent closure of West of Pecos, a beloved Tex-Mex restaurant in the Mission District on October 28. Famous for its energetic environment, remarkable taco variety, and a memorable mechanical bull, West of Pecos charmed diners with its appealing happy hour specials. The MacNiven brothers, Tyler, Dylan, and Rowan, who launched the establishment 11 years ago, highlighted the evolving dining sector as a key determinant in their choice to close.

Co-owner Dylan MacNiven expressed that the escalated homelessness affect in the area along with other elements did not contribute favorably, but essentially the establishment experienced a decline in patron numbers. He noted to Eater SF, "Our initial aim was to successfully create a fun, whimsical, and livelier vibe," and while they were prosperous pre-pandemic, recovery after has been challenging.

Despite a May 2023 report indicating the restaurant's peak trade, employees confessed to Mission Local that business was still too slow for it to be sustainable. 

Over the course of the past year, the locality experienced a variety of closures and restarts. Businesses like Ancora, that could not survive the aftermath of the pandemic, and Stonemill Matcha café, shut down in February and August this year. Simultaneously, some businesses like Sextant Coffee Roasters are emerging, which is set to open its second outlet near the newly inaugurated Barberio Osteria in the earlier Ancora location.

Closure notwithstanding, Dylan MacNiven maintains an optimistic outlook, stating "we are focusing on the future, and our intent to preserve the good vibes." In a recent Instagram post announcing their closure, West of Pecos invited patrons for a last visit and a farewell party, expressing gratitude for the support and beautiful memories made over the years.