After a spicy run of 20 years, Tortilla Jo's, a staple Mexican eatery at Downtown Disney, is slated to shut down, making March 31 its final day of operation. An establishment that spiced up the palates of visitors since 2004, Tortilla Jo’s has to close its doors as part of the ongoing renovation efforts Disney officials have embarked upon in the Downtown Disney district. "Don’t miss your chance to enjoy your favorite dishes and raise a glass to all the memories we’ve made together over the past two decades," the restaurant pleaded on Instagram, as per KTLA.
It's not all goodbyes, however, as Taqueria by Tortilla Jo’s, a more casual spin-off, will continue to serve customers until April 13. The broader transformation, as Disney officials stated at a 2021 fan convention and confirmed during an OC Forum event in May, aims to quickly complete the reconstruction — before Thanksgiving 2024, bringing fresh culinary experiences to the theme park's shopping area.
Amidst these changes, some establishments, like the Jazz Kitchen, have already rebranded and revamped; whilst others, notably the Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar, have given way to upcoming gastronomic ventures. The promise of soon-to-arrive dining experiences like Din Tai Fung, Paseo, and Porto’s Bakery heralds a new chapter in Downtown Disney's culinary lineup.
Nevertheless, Tortilla Jo's bids a heartfelt adiós to its "familia" with a grateful remembrance of the past. "To our Tortilla Jo’s familia, thank you for an incredible 20 years," Tortilla Jo's announced on Instagram, inviting patrons to partake in their final fiesta. The team behind Tortilla Jo's teased fans with future prospects to look forward to, stating, "Stay tuned as we share our final specials and more details on our newest Downtown Disney Mexican restaurants coming in 2024."
Determined to not let the sun set on their flavors, Tortilla Jo’s has hence assured their customer base that the legacy of their cuisine will carry on in one or another new format next year.
