Vernon Culinary Outpost Known For Mexican Cuisine To Close Next Month

VERNON, CT — Pancho Loco, a Mexican-themed restaurant and watering hole known for its fajitas, chimichangas and margaritas served up in a festive atmosphere, will be closing in a little more than a month.

Owner William Goff, affectionately known as "Pancho Bill," made the announcement on Facebook in a Friday morning social media post. He had established Pancho Loco in 1997 at 218 Talcottville Road, and said the final day would be Feb. 24.

Goff cited a "tough year" in 2022 that included family health issues.

Goff said he planned to offer a full menu until the final day, "To make these last few weeks a wonder experience for us all."

He said he wanted to "celebrate" the end of an era.

He posted a heartfelt letter on the restaurant's Facebook page:

In a note on the Pancho Loco website, Goff said. "Back in 1997 I get this crazy idea that running my own restaurant would be a great way to spend my life. So with a little experience and a lot of hard work, I went out and started living the dream. My mission is simple: to provide fresh food, a comfortable atmosphere and the best margaritas around."

An order of fajitas coming out of the kitchen has always been an event at Pancho Loco with the steaming iron pans usually getting applause. The wings, nachos and chimichangas have also been very popular items.

A few years ago, Goff renovated the interior and added patio seating.

Pancho Loco remained open during the coronavirus pandemic, and a dedicated clientele regularly ordered takeout.