Don Cuco Shutters, Plans Relaunch as Cuco's Cantina

The Mexican restaurant is relocating and rebranding in Lancaster, California.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a single, iconic Mexican food item such as a taco or margarita glass, rendered in a bold, neon color palette with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the rebranding of a local Mexican restaurant.The vibrant relaunch of Cuco's Cantina aims to bring a fresh, modern twist to classic Mexican cuisine in Lancaster.Lancaster Today

Don Cuco, a Mexican restaurant in Lancaster, California, has closed its doors this year. However, the restaurant's co-owner Jayson Garcia has announced plans to reopen the establishment under a new name, Cuco's Cantina, at a different location in the city.

Why it matters

The closure and rebranding of Don Cuco reflects the ongoing shifts in the local restaurant industry, as establishments adapt to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions. The transition to Cuco's Cantina represents an opportunity for the owners to revitalize the concept and potentially attract a new customer base.

The details

Don Cuco offered a variety of Mexican cuisine, including quesadillas, taquitos, nachos, enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and fajitas, as well as a margarita-focused cocktail menu. The new Cuco's Cantina is currently in the process of securing an ABC permit, and the menu details are still being finalized. An opening timeline for the rebranded restaurant has not yet been announced.

  • Don Cuco closed earlier this year.
  • Cuco's Cantina is planned to open at a new location, 2010 West Ave. J8, Suite 101, in Lancaster, California.

The players

Jayson Garcia

The co-owner of Don Cuco, who is leading the transition to the new Cuco's Cantina concept.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The team at Cuco's Cantina is currently working to secure an ABC permit and finalize the menu details for the new restaurant. An opening timeline has not yet been announced.

The takeaway

The closure and rebranding of Don Cuco reflects the dynamic nature of the local restaurant industry, as establishments adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences. The transition to Cuco's Cantina represents an opportunity for the owners to revitalize the concept and potentially attract a new customer base in Lancaster.