After over 25 years in business, Dubuque’s Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican restaurant is closing for good this weekend.

“The building was sold, and it was an offer we couldn’t refuse financially,” said Dave Phillips, a marketing representative of the chain’s parent company, Thrive Restaurant Group. “That required us to unfortunately close Carlos.”

Phillips said he couldn’t disclose the name or plans of the buyer but confirmed someone plans to redevelop the building.

“Whenever you shut down a restaurant, it’s difficult because you have to worry about people losing jobs,” Phillips said. “Fortunately, that’s not the case here.”

According to Phillips, all staff at the location will all be re-employed at the neighboring Applebee’s Bar and Grill, which is also owned by Thrive Restaurant Group.

Carlos O’Kelly’s general manager John Digman, who is also the mayor of East Dubuque, Ill., will be transferred to Applebee’s, where there is a general manager vacancy.

“John Digman has been our general manager (these entire 25 years),” Phillips said. “He’s a fixture in the community, and we love him. This is not going to be a long commute for him — he’ll walk about 50 yards (more) to the lot of Applebee’s.”

The store’s last day will be Saturday, June 21. 

“It’s difficult for us to leave, but the fact that we have jobs for everyone makes it a little bit easier,” Phillips said.