Brownsville, TX (KRGV) — A Brownsville restaurant is closing its doors for good after 22 years.

Kiki's Restaurant is shutting down this weekend. The family behind the restaurant says closing was never part of the plan.

In a statement to Channel 5 News, the family said it has been dealing with a difficult tax situation following audits by the Texas Comptroller for the past several months.

The family said it made large monthly payments while also trying to cover payroll and other expenses. Eventually, the family said it fell behind on rent.

The family also wants customers to know the closure did not happen because people stopped coming in.

For longtime customers like Kevin Castaneda, the news came as a surprise. His memories of Kiki's go back to when he was about 8 years old. He is 35 now.

"Just family because you'll be sharing it with the family; you love a lot your uncles, and aunts," Castaneda said.

He said the restaurant had a way of turning ordinary days into something special.

When he heard about the closure, he was caught off guard.

"I am very shocked. I thought it'd be a staple of Brownsville for the foreseeable future," Castaneda said. "I thought they'd be here 'till my kids have kids."

Pedro Arroyo and his mom, Hilda, also made a point to visit on the restaurant's final day. For their family, Kiki had been part of birthdays and Christmas gatherings for years.

"My dad always brought us here to eat. He brought us here for a long time, so it does make me sad that it's closing," Hilda said.

Castaneda said he plans to make it back for one last meal.

"For sure I am going to make it one last time. As a matter of fact, my wife was saying that she wanted a parillada today, so perfect timing," Castaneda said.

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