Taco John's Wells Avenue location closes after nearly 50 years

Nevada's only Taco John's at 770 S. Wells Ave. in Reno closed Dec. 31 after nearly 50 years; owners cited rising supply costs, the demands of operating a restaurant, and distance from the chain's St. Louis headquarters.

Nevada's only Taco John's, located at 770 S. Wells Ave. in Reno, closed on Dec. 31 after nearly 50 years in business. Co-owners Julie Ann Raum and Scotty Arndt told the Reno Gazette Journal they decided to close because of rising supply costs after the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing demands of running a restaurant, and the distance from the chain's headquarters in St. Louis. The restaurant first appeared in the Reno Evening Gazette in 1976, and Raum and her late husband Jim took ownership in 1994. Arndt joined the staff about 13 years ago and later became a co-owner. Key facts: - The Wells Avenue Taco John's closed Dec. 31 after nearly 50 years in operation. - Owners cited rising post-pandemic supply costs, constant operational demands, and distance from company headquarters as reasons for the closure. - The Reno location was the only Taco John's in Nevada; after it closes the nearest location will be in Twin Falls, Idaho. - Co-owners are Julie Ann Raum and Scotty Arndt; Raum and her late husband took over in 1994 and Arndt became co-owner after joining the team about 13 years ago. - Staff placed comment cards for customers, and many patrons responded with emotional memories and reactions. Summary: The closure ends a long-running local presence and leaves Nevada without a Taco John's location, shifting the nearest site to Twin Falls, Idaho. The owners said they plan to rest and build the next chapter of their lives but do not have specific plans at this time.