42 Years later El Loco closes

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – A local restaurant has closed after 42 years in business. The owner said it’s tough for small businesses right now because of increased operating costs and called the closure death by a thousand cuts.

“A lot of tears, but all happy tears because we realize how much this place means to the community. and this is more than just serving food and margaritas. we had a huge impact on a lot of people’s lives,” said El Loco Owner Patrick Noonan.

After he announced the closure, customers came in droves to say their final goodbyes and to reflect on some of their favorite memories – even taking pieces of memorabilia. Noonan said, “It’s been an incredible ride.” 

Generations of families ate and worked at El Loco, which served up classics for 42 years. It was started by Marcia Tolive and her partner in 1983.

“A lot of people came through the door. In the right place, at the right time. And a wonderful, vibrant neighborhood with the clubs opening,” said Tolive.

She said it was rocking, on a block owned by mostly women. She said back then there weren’t many Mexican restaurants. She ran the business for 29 years before selling it to Noonan, who ran it for the last 13 years. But, he said, it’s a different landscape now.

“Competing in 2025 with a ton of competition in the Mexican space, that we never thought we’d see that day. It used to be us and like four other places,” said Noonan.

He said losing the College of Saint Rose was a huge blow for the business. He called the closure bittersweet. He’s selling the building but looks forward to having more time with his family. 

Noonan believes the area needs an infusion of cash and looks forward to what Governor Kathy Hochul’s investment in the capital will do.

“With the governor’s announcement of this money being handed down, it’s a great opportunity to kind of pair everything together and see Lark Street kind of get new life again,” said Noonan. 

“Albany is ripe for another revitalization,” said Tolive. Both owners, previous and current, fought back tears as they reflected on the connections made throughout the past years and the decades of service from longtime employees. 

“We all still exist as family. It’s just that, you know, the outer trappings of that are gone. Sorry,” said Tolive, as she choked back tears.

“The people who’ve come in over the years – engagements, weddings, marriage proposals, funerals. We’ve had it all. We’ve seen it all. And not just serving people food and drinks. It’s been about building relationships that have meant the world to me and so I can’t thank everyone enough. And I’m going to, before I start losing it, just wanna say thank you one more time to everyone,” said Noonan.

Carina Dominguez

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