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Anyone seeking to get Argentinian food in Chelmsford should hurry, because the Tango Grill will be closing its doors on Friday.
Tango Grill owner Aric Becker sold the location to Kate Kelly of the Sugar Cupcake Shoppe, who bakes her cupcakes in Chelmsford before transporting them to her current location on Littleton Road in Westford.
After coming on board almost two years ago, the move marks the end of what was the first restaurant ownership in Becker's life, following a series of eateries he ran during his earlier years.
While he hopes to re-open a non-Argentinian restaurant at former restaurant location he was once at in Concord, it will be an emotional send off when he turns off the lights on Chelmsford Street for one last time.
"I'd just like to mention how appreciative I am to my customers, people in this town couldn't have been more welcoming to me or nicer to me," said Becker. "I felt like a member of the Chelmsford community."
Over the past few days, he's gotten comments from regular customers that noticed the signs advertising his closure, something he states technically goes against town bylaws.
While Becker said he thought highly of Chelmsford, he noted that small businesses need all the help they can get in difficult times to survive, whether it's allowing on-site advertising through signs and sandwich boards to a variety of other issues, although he said it wasn't a reason he was leaving.
"A town that doesn't bend over backwards to help a small business succeed isn't doing their job, that's Chelmsford or any town," he said. "This area is a little difficult in the historic district. I had the same thing in Concord with the same regulations, but that downtown area is a historic town and people walk around because that's how it's set up. Here, it's weird having restrictions when you have a Papa Gino's and a CVS across the street."
Becker's also quick to point out that the restaurant is not actually "going out of business," with the closure coming to Kelly offering an amount for the property too great to be ignored.
"I decided it was the best thing in my interest to do," said Becker, who declined to disclose the amount, but said he sold the location for the same amount he paid for it.
All this week, the Tango Grill will be reducing prices on drinks and providing free food samples in addition to added karaoke nights.
Eileen Cushing-Craig
8:01 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
I am disappointed to see a young business leave Chelmsford. We enjoyed breakfast at the Tango Grill several times, and found the food and prices very good. The story does not say that the new owner will be selling cupcakes from this location in addition to her Westford shop, but I really hope she does. Those are some delicious cupcakes!
Sue Carter
11:44 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
My friends and I had a wonderful steak dinner there but have been too busy over the summer to go again. Sorry to see you leave. Good luck at your new location.
Unfortunately, the building location and parking make it a difficult site for visibility and access (unless you are sitting in the traffic back up). I am not sure there is an easy answer to either of those issues.
Paul Haverty
1:02 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Been there for breakfast many times, and got lunch takeout a couple times too. Sad to see them go.
J.J.Ryer
3:24 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
I Totally agree with the comments made,back in the early 70's I opened up small business in Central Square (Street level), shortly after, I was requested to appear before the Historical Comm. because they did not like my plain Black & White sign. which I posted above the door. I was asking questions about what was wrong about my sign and Several elderly members gave me snide/rude remarks at the meeting, it was obvious to me they just liked confronting new business, and exerting their power. So, I closed and moved into an office Building.But that was then , Most of those people are most likely gone now, and I hope Chelmsford has adopted a more reasonable attitude toward working with new business in the area.
John Doe
5:40 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
No one seems to care that this business owner is trying to say, albeit in the nicest way possible, that he is leaving because this town is doing nothing to help small businesses, that is the biggest issue.
First, large companies on 129 leave Chelmsford, now it seems small businesses are leaving as well. But hey, as long as Eliopolous got to build his giant office building in the historic district while the town keeps this guy from putting out a sandwich board, I guess things are as they should be!
Lisa
6:58 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I agree with John Doe. The town doesn't have a problem adding large CVS and Stop and Shop stores but what Chelmsford needs more of are small, quaint, and personalized businesses like Tango Grill that bring character and interest to our town, especially in the center. I frequented the Tango Grill with my husband and friends for breakfast and dinner and the Groupon discounts were an added plus. So sorry to see you go and best of luck to you! Concord wins again.
Brad Marmo
9:14 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I've chatted with both Aric and the previous owners and their stories are the same - challenges due to the historic designation of that building and the whole sign issue we have in town. I don't see how a sit down restaurant can survive in that location without changes to both restrictions. The previous owners sunk some good money into that kitchen, thus the draw for someone like Aric to try his biz there, but it just wasn't meant to be. Or more specifically, too much red tape. Hopefully a different kind of business can succeed there, or else that center unit is simply a black hole. My solution you ask? More special exclusions by Planning Board, Historic Commission, BOS, etc... without citing fear of mob rule if someone puts an A-frame sign out front, if Meat House sells wine and micro brew, or if 129 corporations can get a sandwich and drop off their dry cleaning without having to drive 10 minutes. Common sense exclusions while still keeping integrity of town. Shouldn't be that hard. Yet, I'm finding out that it is. This is the public sector folks, vote wisely in Nov, because the big boys don't do it any better.
Donna Reed
10:16 am on Sunday, November 4, 2012
I agree with John, Lisa and Brad. Chelmsford does seem to find a way to accomodate the BIG business owners...like those with brand new buildings, as well as those with older buildings that sell beer, alcohol and wine. The "little guy" has little hope...there is limited parking in our center, and even more limited businesses to DRAW customers. We are going to have a VERY pretty, quaint and charming little Center when all the work is completed..but many of us may find ourselves all dressed up, with nowhere to GO !