South Lake Tahoe Chevys closes doors on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve dinner at the South Lake Tahoe Chevys Fresh Mex was the last one served at the restaurant located at 3678 Lake Tahoe Blvd, much to the surprise of the dozens of employees who worked there. They arrived to work on December 26 to find they no longer had jobs as the business closed.

And South Lake Tahoe wasn't the only location to close.

Real Mex Restaurants, the owners of Chevys, operates over 100 restaurants and eight brands that also include El Torito and Acapulco. Sara Barker, a spokesperson for the chain, told South Tahoe Now that the company closed under performing restaurants at the close of business on December 24 in order to grow the company with a soon-to-be announced acquisition.

They just didn't tell employees of their move until December 26 as they are normally closed on Christmas Day.

The company's human resources and operations staff are currently in South Lake Tahoe to assist with the transition, according to Barker. Each location employees 50-75 people.

Barker said it normally takes just a couple of days to close it all down. The building is leased by Real Mex Restaurants from a Trust and the future status of the building is unknown at this time. When neighboring Ski Run Center was remodeled they wanted to incorporate the space where Chevys was, but were unable to make a deal.

She said some of the employees will be offered positions at other locations, but since none are within 60 miles, relocation would be necessary.

The news during the Christmas season came as a shock to the employees as it comes not only during the holidays, but also when business is normally very busy season for SLT restaurants.

There are 26 remaining company owned Chevys Fresh Mex, and 12 franchised owned.

The location of Chevys Fresh Mex in South Lake Tahoe was once home to Carlos Murphys and Eppaminondas (Eppie's).