The local dining landscape in Howland is changing as a long-time staple prepares to close its doors.
After years of serving up authentic flavors and becoming a staple for family gatherings, Don Julio Tequilas Mexican Restaurant has officially announced it will be closing its doors at 4611 Southpoint Parkway.
The news broke via a touching social media post from the Don Julio Tequilas team, expressing their deep gratitude for the loyalty and memories shared with the Buena Vista II Go, located at 1873 Niles-Cortland Road NE, will permanently close on February 22, 2026. The “BV Family” shared the news with “heavy hearts,” expressing deep gratitude for the support and kindness shown by the community over the years. While this specific location is shuttering, the original Buena Vista Cafe in Warren remains open to continue the family’s long-standing legacy.
The Buena Vista brand has deep roots in the region, dating back to January 1, 1956, when founder Nick Frankos (affectionately known as “Uncle Nick”) opened the original cafe as a small neighborhood bar in Warren. Over seven decades, the business grew from a local hangout into a beloved institution. The Howland location, situated in Trumbull County, provided a convenient “to-go” option for those near the busy Niles-Cortland corridor..
The restaurant was most famous for its signature Uncle Nick’s Greek Fried Chicken, a recipe perfected by Frankos using specialized pressure fryers he discovered at a food show in the early 1970s. Beyond their “world-famous” chicken, the menu featured a variety of comfort foods, including:
Family Dinners: Mixed chicken buckets, white and dark meat dinners, and “Texas Potatoes”.
Specialty Pizzas: Options like the BV Briar Hill (with sweet peppers and parmesan) and the Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza.
Greek & Italian Classics: Items such as gyros and Italian greens.
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The announcement of the closure sparked an immediate wave of nostalgia and mixed emotions from loyal customers. Long-time fans shared fond memories of enjoying the famous chicken for years, with many expressing sadness at losing such a convenient neighborhood spot. While some patrons noted recent challenges with consistency or pricing, the overwhelming sentiment was one of appreciation for the family’s decades of service to the area.
Looking Ahead For those worried about where to get their Greek fried chicken fix, the main Warren location at 1305 Buena Vista Ave NE will continue full operations. Additionally, the family announced that the Warren location plans to open on Sundays for carryout only later this year to help accommodate the transition.
