Waco, Texas Restaurant Closures and Closed Restaurants

Welcome to our Waco, Texas city page, where we explore the history of closed down restaurants in this vibrant community of 160,874 residents. Nestled along the scenic Brazos River, Waco is well-known for its iconic Magnolia Market. Unfortunately, the culinary landscape has seen several dining establishments shut down, with many now permanently closed or temporarily closed due to various challenges. Join us as we remember these once-loved eateries and their unique contributions to Waco’s dining scene.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.


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Outback Steakhouse – Waco
4500 Franklin Ave
Waco, TX 76710
Status: Permanently Closed
Closed Date: 10/1/2025

Osteria I Nonni ended lunch service on September 30, 2025, with final dinner service on October 18. Known for fine Italian dining and wine dinners, it had been a mainstay for Twin Cities diners for nearly two decades.

Salad and Go – Waco – 6th Street
723 South 6th Street
Waco, TX 76706
Status: Permanently Closed
Closed Date: 9/19/2025

With Chipotle as its neighbor, Salad and Go faced direct competition from an established fast-casual brand with broader menu appeal.

Salad and Go – Waco – Hewitt
736 Hewitt Drive
Waco, TX 76712
Status: Permanently Closed
Closed Date: 9/1/2025

Across from CAVA Mediterranean, this site showed that even “healthy” competition was intense. CAVA’s broader menu and following left Salad and Go struggling to differentiate.

Steak and Ale – Waco – 1838 N Valley Mills Dr
1838 N Valley Mills Dr
Waco, TX 76710
Status: Closed Permanently

Steak and Ale, located at 1838 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710, opened for business in 1979 and closed in 1999. After its closure, the space was converted into office space. Many Abilene citizens identified it as their favorite restaurant.

Peoples Restaurants – Waco
1623 N. Valley Mills Dr.
Waco, TX
Status: Closed Permanently

Peoples Restaurants, located at 1623 N. Valley Mills Dr., closed in 1985.

Ku-Ku Burger – Waco
1111 S 8th St
Waco, TX 76706
Status: Closed Permanently

Ku-Ku Burger, located at 1111 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706, was open for business in 1966 and is now a Pizza Hut.

Kenny Rogers Roasters – Waco
900 N Valley Mills Dr
Waco, TX 76710
Status: Closed Permanently

Kenny Rogers Roasters, located at 900 N Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76710, opened in 1992 and closed around 1994. It was previously a Taco Torch. After Kenny Rogers Roasters, the location became a Schlotzsky's, operating from 1994 until around 2012. The site is now Valle's Mexican Restaurant.

Howard Johnson’s Restaurant – Waco
2310 W Waco Dr
Waco, TX 76701
Status: Closed Permanently

Howard Johnson's Restaurant was located at 2310 W Waco Dr, Waco, TX 76701. The establishment has since been replaced by other businesses, although the specific names of businesses occupying the location afterward are not provided.

Hello Lounge
1227 S 11th St
Waco, TX 76706
Status: Closed Permanently

Hello Lounge was open for business in 1966 at 1227 S 11th St, Waco, TX 76706.

Chelsea Street Pub – Waco
6001 W Waco Dr
Waco, TX 76710
Status: Closed Permanently

Chelsea Street Pub, located at 6001 W Waco Dr, Waco, TX 76710, opened its doors in 1983.

Burger Chef – Waco
4300 W Waco Dr c
Waco, TX 76710
Status: Closed Permanently

Burger Chef was located at 4300 W Waco Dr c, Waco, TX 76710.