Lucy’s Taqueria is closing Friday after nine years.
Owner Marlene Akana Hall decided to close the popular downtown Hilo restaurant and retire.
Akana Hall named the restaurant after her youngest daughter, Lucy, who will also be returning to college and unable to continue working.
Akana Hall said she attempted to sell the restaurant and its recipes, but to no avail.
“We tried to find someone to take over where we are leaving off, but rental circumstances arose and discouraged potential buyers,” Akana Hall said on the Lucy’s website. “We tried our best, but it wasn’t an option at the end.”
Lucy’s has been operating with only takeout service since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drastically changed its last year of business.
“We are so sad that we have missed one of the biggest and best elements of Lucy’s this last year, which is seeing your beautiful happy faces and getting to share our home with you,” Akana Hall wrote on the website.
While Akana Hall is excited to be able to travel and try new things during her retirement, she will miss serving the Hilo community.
“We are so sad to be leaving, but we will never forget the memories we have made with each and every one of you,” Akana Hall wrote. “Thank you for everything.”