The business community in El Paso is losing some longtime staples in fashion, recreation and a local coffee gathering spot.
The closings are either due to business owners closing a chapter or making a difficult decision in the current economy and with people shopping more online. Several restaurants have recently been in the same situation, having to re-invent themselves.
Chef Rulis Gonzalez recently closed Chin-Gon-Chow but reopened it as an express version of Rulis’ at the same spot, 11360 Montwood Drive. He plans a grand reopening of Sazón by Chef Rulis at the former Rulis’ International Kitchen at 4176 N. Mesa St.
The restaurant reopened on Friday, Feb. 14. The new menu will highlight tapas, pizza, pasta, salads and soups. The restaurant will also offer brunch on Sundays.
Here is a glimpse of the current business closings.
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Nono’s Boutique to close after 64 years of business
Nono’s, a high-end women’s boutique, is closing its doors after 64 years of business. The store at 5857 N. Mesa St., Suite 17, was established by a mother-daughter duo, Nono Altus and Missy Altus.
Ninette (Nono) Altus started the boutique as an infant and children’s clothing store. As its customers grew up, the store eventually added preteen and women’s fashions. After graduating from college, Altus’ daughter Melissa (Missy) gained some retail experience in Los Angeles before returning to El Paso to help her mother grow the business.
After a few years, she became a full partner in the store and the buyer, adding unique labels, prom and evening wear, and fashion-forward designs to the store’s collection. Missy Altus became the sole owner after her mother passed away in 2020.
Originally, the store was going to close on Jan. 31, when the lease was up. However, Missy Altus expressed her gratitude to her customers and said she needed to extend the closing date to February.
“To our beloved customers, as we prepared to close our doors on Jan. 31st, we were overwhelmed by your incredible support and love you’ve shown us. However, we realized we still have so many beautiful treasures in the store, pieces we’ve lovingly curated, and we also have fixtures that still hold the heart of the space which is why rushing to say good-bye just didn’t feel right,” posted Missy Altus, owner of Nono’s on the business Instagram page.
After consideration, the owner has decided to remain open through Feb. 25 so that people can still make their last purchases at the store. All clothing is now 75% off.
Cave Climbing Co. closed at end of 2024
Cave Climbing Co., a climbing gym on the West Side that opened in the fall of 2016 and changed owners a couple of times, closed at the end of 2024.
The gym, at 113 Executive Center Blvd., offered climbing walls for both novice and experienced climbers.
It was owned by Andy Baxter, who unfortunately suffered a life-altering injury in July of 2024. Baxter, a trained parkour athlete and coach, took a fall while training for an outdoor climbing guide certification.
The fall resulted in Baxter’s suffering a lower body paralysis. His family was able to have him transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in Denver to continue his recovery and receive physical, occupational and speech therapy.
A GoFundMe account helped raise $21,000 toward his life expenses for his recovery.
Ambers Coffee Bar closes, opens delivery business
The owner of Amber’s Coffee Bar had to close a popular local coffee shop in Horizon City in February of this year. The coffee bar was at 14026 Horizon Blvd.
“Being a business owner is a lot of work! It’s good some days and some days you think of maybe going back to your 8-5 p.m. job. This was one of my best challenging years of my life. I grew mentally, financially and realized that money isn’t everything. Health, time and family is,” stated a Facebook post.
The owner decided to do an express business instead and will deliver her special coffees and breads from a menu on her Facebook page. She also plans to make a cart for Farmers Markets, special occasions and other events.
More:Western Playland to open its 65th anniversary with throwback prices
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok.
