Salsa Latina, a Mexican dining fixture on the south side of downtown Colorado Springs since 2006, has closed, according to a Monday post on its Facebook page.

The announcement comes on the heels of a Nov. 5 social media announcement that Salsa Latina would remain open until Dec. 23, but that the restaurant’s closure was imminent because of “an exceptional opportunity” that had arisen.

“Salsa Latina is now closed,” Monday’s Facebook post said. “We have made the decision to cease operations. We extend our gratitude to all for the love and support. We wish everyone a very blessed holiday season.”

Owner Christina Medina confirmed Tuesday the restaurant is closed — and explained that “exceptional opportunity.” She owns another business, called Universe Personal Home Care, which is set to expand nationally, and she said it would be unfair to the community and Salsa Latina’s employees for her to try and run both businesses.

“Now I have an opportunity to go nationwide (and) I just can’t do both,” Medina said. “That’s the only reason and it was a hard decision to make.”

Medina has owned the home health care business for seven years. She’s owned Salsa Latina since December of 2021, when she and Rebecca Nix purchased it from relatives Danny and Carolina Aguilar.

For the past seven years, Medina said she purposefully kept Universe small so that she could focus on running the restaurant and caring for members of her family. Now though, it’s time for her to focus on health care, which Medina said has been her true passion since 1997.

“We care for people and I am excited to do it,” she said..

Word of Salsa Latina’s closure garnered an outpouring of reaction.

“Best Mexican food in town!!!,” said Amber Smith, one of more than 100 commenters on Facebook. “We’ve lost a true local GEM.”

“I’m going to miss your pork and avocado burrito smothered with green chile, beans and rice,” said Arthur Martinez. “After that it’s your smiles over the years starting with Danny.”

Martinez was referring to Danny Aguilar, the original owner of Salsa Latina.

Aguilar worked for years at parents Eddie and Rose Aguilar’s legendary downtown El Taco Rey, which closed in 2022 after 45 years in business.

Like El Taco Rey, Salsa Latina was known for its pork avocado burrito along with its red and green chilis.

A bit of good news for fans of the flavors of El Taco Rey and Salsa Latina: Those flavors can be found at The Rey, a food truck opened in 2024 by two daughters of El Taco Rey’s founders using the Aguilars’ longstanding recipes.

“I may not be serving food, but I’ll be serving the community and giving the elderly the best quality of life,” Medina said. “It has been a pleasure to serve the community and I appreciate everyone who has supported us throughout the years.”