Al Pastor's Closure Is Making Way For A New Business

HAVERTOWN, PA — After two years of doing slinging Mexican fare, Al Pastor Havertown has closed shop. And it wasn't for a lack of business.

The restaurant at 13 West Benedict Ave. in Havertown closed Jan. 7, and left a heartfelt message to its patrons.

"We have loved bringing this community our delicious tacos, perfect margaritas, and friendly hospitality over the last two years," the message read. "We've cared about this neighborhood and are proud to have offered our amazing guests a space to slow down the day and have some fun. Working at a restaurant becomes like a little family, and we're so glad to have had the best staff as part of ours."

Joe Monnich, co-owner of Al Pastor's parent restaurant group Stove & Co., told Patch that the closure wasn't due to low sales or anything negative.

"In December we had someone approach us," he said. "They essentially gave us an offer to buy the building and the business."

Monnich said the group was not looking to close the Havertown location at all, but the deal was too good to refuse.

"It just made sense," he said of accepting the offer.

The new owner is a local resident who has been eying 13 West Benedict Ave. for years, and he recently acquired the means to purchase the space.

"It's as simple said that," Monnich said.

As for the new business coming in, Monnich shared few details. What we do know about the new spot is it Mexican food, and it won't include sit-down service.

"[The new owner] had a compelling story," Monnich said.

The community will be pleased with what's in store for that location, he said.

And regarding the community, Monnich is happy for the two-year run in Havertown, and said the group has placed impacted staff at other Stove & Co. establishments, as well as in other industries when gigs in food service weren't possible.

"The staff was wonderful," he said of the Al Pastor Havertown crew.

Monnich also said he was grateful for the regulars who frequented the business.

"I'm trying to place them in our other restaurants," he said while laughing. "Having such a strong regular core really made it a wonderful experience."

Stove & Co. still has the Exton Al Pastor location, which has been open for nearly 10 years. It also operates Stove & Tap in West Chester and Lansdale, Good, Bad, and Ugly, Joey Chops, Revival Pizza Pub, and Rooster's Glenside.

Any gift cards purchased for the Al Pastor Havertown location will be honored and can be used at any Stove & Co. restaurant.