TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Cabo's Island Grill and Bar, a Tallahassee staple for almost 35 years, announced Tuesday that they would be closing their doors for the final time on Oct. 23.
The decision comes as the owners of the establishment Mike Ferrara, 70, and Bobby Staerker, 63, want to retire and said in a Facebook post that they are proud of the legacy they are leaving.
"I’m 70 and Bob’s 63, so we have decided that it’s time to call it a day," wrote co-owner Ferrara on Facebook. "I want more time to travel and Bobby wants to be with his grandkids. We are proud of the legacy we are leaving."
Ferrara and Staerker, said their staff and guests are like a family. After a great run, the pandemic brought challenges to the restaurant. But before they head out, the owners are helping their staff find new jobs.
It's a bittersweet farewell for them to move on, but both say they are ready to spend time with their own families.
Staerker said, "looking at these pictures we've raised a lot of families we've had multi-generational now with these early ones and their kids are in here."
Ferrara said, "without the community, we wouldn't have been here for 35 years we owe you guys a lot we're forever grateful."
Cabo's first taco was served in 1987 in a 575 square foot spot that was the original Sear's Cafe, now the back of the New Leaf Market, according to Ferrara. They moved into their current location on Apalachee Parkway in 1994.
All in all, Ferrara's message on Facebook was to thank those that supported Cabo's over the years and to reflect on what they had accomplished.
"It’s been a great run," wrote Ferrara. "Everyone should be so blessed to have a career Cabos has provided us."
Ferrara also added that they will be offering some of the group party pictures and vintage surfboards for sale.
