Macho Nacho restaurant closes after three months

The Macho Nacho, which opened Dec. 14 in Chevy Chase after much anticipation, has closed.

Owner Aaron Rothke announced that Sunday night was the last night for the restaurant at High Street and Euclid Avenue.

“I have so many people to thank. My friends and family have been amazing, Chevy Chase for welcoming me, my staff for sticking with us until the bitter end,” Rothke said in a statement.

Customers had been enthusiastic, he said, but the restaurant went well over budget in opening and was low on working capital, with payroll and food costs that were too high to sustain.

“While having great people, our food consistency and service suffered at times, and poor reviews started to reduce sales,” Rothke said. “All of these problems fall under me as owner. I ... take full responsibility for our shortcomings as a restaurant.”

Rothke, a first-time restaurant owner, said he doesn’t have any regrets about the business, despite the risks. He was “proud of many things, creating jobs, making a brand, meeting new friends, and creating a workplace that individuality was welcomed, and we accepted people as they are.”

Rothke said Monday he’s selling the business and exploring options.

The restaurant building is at the site of the famed Saratoga restaurant. It has seen a variety of concepts over the past decade, including Roy’s East High Diner, Buddy’s Bar & Grill, and Glenns Creek Beer Exchange.

This story was originally published March 14, 2016 at 11:23 AM with the headline "Macho Nacho restaurant closes after three months."